silhouettes 1 of 2

noun

plural of silhouette
as in outlines
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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silhouettes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of silhouette
as in traces
to draw or make apparent the outline of in the photograph the majestic mountain is strikingly silhouetted against the setting sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 silhouettes
Noun
The new campaign spotlights Loose Prep, an assortment within the Fall/Winter 2026 collection built around prep classics reimagined through looser silhouettes and unexpected proportions. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026 However, what does change are the silhouettes, colors, and various details that each season brings. — Melisa Vargas, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2026 Choose from contemporary yet classic silhouettes in classic readers and sunglasses for men and women. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 Fitoussi has outfitted Collins in chic and romantic silhouettes using vintage finds, bold prints and high-end designer pieces. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 Speaking of fit, Abercrombie continues to earn our seal of approval for its extensive size range and variety of silhouettes, including its popular Curve Love line. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 10 Aug. 2026 Baggy jeans may not be the first thing that comes to mind for officewear, but these high-rise denim trousers prove that roomy silhouettes can look polished. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026 Retro carries warmth and character, drawing from familiar silhouettes that still feel lively. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 Whether your style leans classic or trend-forward, the runways made the case for building a wardrobe with a range of silhouettes, ensuring there’s a perfect pair for every occasion. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silhouettes
  1. outlines
  2. traces
  3. figures
  4. sketches
Noun
  • Compressed color values—in contrast to the wide modulations in tone that Cassatt allowed elsewhere—heighten the sense of mass, while unexpected bright blue outlines seal their contours.
    — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Alternatively, the president could start over and build a plan consistent with the doctrine’s outlines.
    — KORI SCHAKE, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of outlines
Verb
  • The union drive really traces back to February 2025, when Google removed language from its public AI Principles committing not to build AI for weapons or surveillance that violates international norms.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Bilal traces the project’s origins to sensory fragments rather than plot.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of traces
Noun
  • The universe pairs real-world figures with young protagonists, folklore and mythical beings drawn from across the continent, with the goal of introducing Asian stories to global audiences.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Statues of controversial figures were vandalized and taken down, with more than 160 Confederate works removed from public spaces in 2020.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of figures
Verb
  • Architect sketches from the developer call the hotel Sam Furr Road Inn, but the proposal would be called Cornelius Inn, town officials said.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
  • The proposal also sketches out room for rooftop amenities consisting of a garden and gathering areas.
    — George Avalos, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Definition of sketches

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silhouetted
silhouettes
silhouetting
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Cite this Entry

“Silhouettes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silhouettes. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on silhouettes

Nglish: Translation of silhouettes for Spanish Speakers

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