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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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
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Recent Examples of silhouettes
Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 4 June 2026
Shimmering evening silhouettes, meanwhile, captured the city’s skyline after dark.
—Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
After several seasons full of completely straight or extremely wide silhouettes, marking the waist feels relevant again.
—Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 4 June 2026
This season, there's a standout style for every occasion, from raffia bags for PTO days and East-West silhouettes for nights out to elongated clutches for weddings and special events.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 June 2026
Nilsson’s version shares little with its source beyond Adam and Eve themselves, here recast as doughy, beigy silhouettes striking poses amid an almost psychedelic soup of parti-color fronds, blobs, and amoebas.
—Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Breathable fabrics help keep you cool, while breezy, relaxed silhouettes offer all the comfort of your favorite loungewear (while still looking tailored and dressed up).
—Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
The bags’ chic silhouettes and neutral colorways first caught my attention, but the brand’s thoughtful attention to detail and smart features are what have kept me traveling with Béis for over three years.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 May 2026
The brand channels its Ukrainian roots with beautiful embroidery on traditional silhouettes, then easily shifts into contemporary minimalism with an edge that never abandons its cultural and aesthetic roots.
—Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 27 May 2026
Noun
The structure can range from settees or high-back silhouettes with a perch for a little tête-à-tête, posh bouclé love seats, structural chaise lounges (just ask Emma Chamberlain), and mini sofas that double as sleepers.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 4 June 2026
Shimmering evening silhouettes, meanwhile, captured the city’s skyline after dark.
—Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
After several seasons full of completely straight or extremely wide silhouettes, marking the waist feels relevant again.
—Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 4 June 2026
This season, there's a standout style for every occasion, from raffia bags for PTO days and East-West silhouettes for nights out to elongated clutches for weddings and special events.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 June 2026
Nilsson’s version shares little with its source beyond Adam and Eve themselves, here recast as doughy, beigy silhouettes striking poses amid an almost psychedelic soup of parti-color fronds, blobs, and amoebas.
—Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Breathable fabrics help keep you cool, while breezy, relaxed silhouettes offer all the comfort of your favorite loungewear (while still looking tailored and dressed up).
—Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
The bags’ chic silhouettes and neutral colorways first caught my attention, but the brand’s thoughtful attention to detail and smart features are what have kept me traveling with Béis for over three years.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 May 2026
The brand channels its Ukrainian roots with beautiful embroidery on traditional silhouettes, then easily shifts into contemporary minimalism with an edge that never abandons its cultural and aesthetic roots.
—Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silhouettes
Noun
-
While talks are ongoing with key details still to be worked out, the outlines of a deal include Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and letting ships pass without paying tolls, sources told Axios.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
24 May 2026
-
Each panel is made of a flax-linen blend with delicate floral outlines of blooms and leaves.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Nardo’s book traces the history of architecture and artwork in ancient Greece, from its inception to pioneering artists of the era.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
-
Radar, another technology that took hold as a result of World War II, is also a key modern forecasting tool that traces its roots back to World War II.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
27 May 2026
Noun
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His broad network of advisers includes many prominent figures, including former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, investor Stanley Druckenmiller, and Chevron CEO Mike Wirth, all of whom appeared at his swearing-in last month at the White House.—
Matt Peterson,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
-
Altogether, Russia fired 656 drones and 73 missiles at Ukraine overnight, according to Ukrainian Air Force figures, which said the vast bulk of the drones and just over half of the missiles were shot down.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Through five portraits of relatives and mentors, five expressions of resistance, the filmmaker sketches her life story.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
22 May 2026
-
Ahangarani sketches her life story through five portraits of relatives and mentors.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Silhouettes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silhouettes. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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