silhouette 1 of 2

as in outline
a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface cartoonists often try to give their characters recognizable silhouettes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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silhouette

2 of 2

verb

as in to trace
to draw or make apparent the outline of in the photograph the majestic mountain is strikingly silhouetted against the setting sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun silhouette differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of silhouette are contour, outline, and profile. While all these words mean "the line that bounds and gives form to something," silhouette suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined.

photograph in silhouette against a bright sky

Where would contour be a reasonable alternative to silhouette?

While in some cases nearly identical to silhouette, contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled.

a car with flowing contours

When could outline be used to replace silhouette?

In some situations, the words outline and silhouette are roughly equivalent. However, outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass.

traced the outline of his hand

When is it sensible to use profile instead of silhouette?

The meanings of profile and silhouette largely overlap; however, profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.

a portrait of her face in profile

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of silhouette
Noun
The sun ducks down and sets Conejo Mountain against warm pinks and purples, transforming the ridgeline into an epic silhouette. Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Of recent, even Bella Hadid has given the pant a go, and slimmer fitting silhouettes continue to make their presence known on the runways: from indie sleaze-leaning skinny jeans at McQueen and Balenciaga, to the more Parisian chic straight leg and cropped trousers of Chanel. Michel Mejía, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
SpaceX highlighted the achievement in the post on X, sharing a dramatic image of the booster standing tall on the pad, silhouetted against the night sky after its demanding journey. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2025 The collection reimagines three adidas Japan silhouettes, adding Brain Dead’s signature touch to the sleek, Lo Profile design that’s gained popularity in recent years. Essence, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for silhouette
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silhouette
Noun
  • In the center of the room, swathed in shadow, is the faint spectral outline of a small boy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Hanging below the vast cosmic heart is a knot of dust and gas known informally as the Fishhead Nebula, thanks to its vaguely oval outline and a dark dust filament that gives it the appearance of an aquatic creature.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tomasso traces his approach to a moment early in his career.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • While Big Band music has roots tracing back to New Orleans, its major hubs included New York, Chicago and Kansas City.
    Alexa Stone Updated October 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • It was sketched out on a piece of paper and tucked into her grandmother's Bible.
    Molly Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Let yourself be enchanted by the possibilities, but also anchor them — sketch the dream, but also build the frame to hold it.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Their rugged endurance is what endears Jeeps to car-lovers with a sense of history and who appreciate the significance of a vehicle that defined an indefatigable generation.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Lyra’s existence pushes back against the moral absolutes and gendered expectations that define her world and seek to limit her agency.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Silhouette.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silhouette. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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