Synonyms of silhouette

silhouette 1 of 2

noun

ˌsi-lə-ˈwet 

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

• outline
• contour
• figure
• shape
• sketch
• geometry
• profile
• skeleton
• skyline
• framework
• configuration
• form
• delineation
• cast
• conformation

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

• trace
• outline
• sketch
• define
• circle
• trim
• round
• line
• delineate
• surround
• bound
• frame
• margin
• fringe
• skirt
• loop
• edge
• hem
• rim
• draw
• ring
• chart
• map (out)
• encircle
• compass
• girth
• diagram
• girdle

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

Recent Examples of silhouette

Noun

The Marguerite Another skinny silhouette, just a little longer. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025

However, there are a few areas where design draws the line, Broekman said – for example, any design change that compromises the safety of the vehicle or alters its overall design or silhouette. —Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Verb

Another iconic Salgado photograph, this time from Kuwait: A Desert on Fire, shows a man silhouetted against a raging inferno. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

The model on display on Sunday had a blue wrap with orangish-yellow striping along the lower sides, with a couple of palm tree silhouettes. —Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 9 July 2025

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