profile 1 of 2

as in to outline
to produce a representation of the shape of the head as seen from the side his likeness was profiled against a background of vegetation

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profile

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun profile differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of profile are contour, outline, and silhouette. While all these words mean "the line that bounds and gives form to something," profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.

a portrait of her face in profile

Where would contour be a reasonable alternative to profile?

The synonyms contour and profile are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 might outline be a better fit than profile?

While the synonyms outline and profile are close in meaning, outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass.

traced the outline of his hand

When could silhouette be used to replace profile?

In some situations, the words silhouette and profile are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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 profile
Verb
As Loomer's profile has risen, some critics online have accused her of being paid to target specific officials and appointees, which Loomer has pushed back on. Will Steakin, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2025 The Frenchman is the ideal profile wanted by Eddie Howe to both compliment and compete with Isak, particularly in terms of versatile, able to play off the left or drop deep and combine with midfielders or run in behind and score. Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
This rally can be attributed in large part to online hype from hedge fund manager Eric Jackson, who CNBC's Ari Levy profiled last week. Alex Harring, CNBC, 22 July 2025 The last regime believed Dugger and Peppers could play together, despite the fact both profile as traditional strong safeties, much like Epps, Hawkins and Pettus. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for profile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profile
Verb
  • Rahul Patel, Principal Analyst at Ampere Analysis, will add data outlining market realities.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2025
  • This article will define vicarious financial trauma, explore real-world examples of it, and outline a path to financial healing.
    Rahkim Sabree, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This included a deep plane facelift and deep neck contouring to restore youthful contours, work on her lower eyelids to brighten her eyes, a brow lift to open up her upper face, and laser treatment around her mouth to smooth fine lines.
    Hedy Phillips, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • In that context, the compression can enhance healing by reducing swelling, thereby improving contour.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • That path was harder to picture entering this training camp given the depth of the Rams’ roster, but a couple of guys are pushing for a roster spot at the end of the preseason.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Rue pictured with Jack and Bear outside, and laying on her back playfully.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Many organizations proudly claim their identity security is in good shape; 74% rate themselves as advanced or established.
    Arun Shrestha, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Coach Andy Reid recently said his player is in tip-top shape.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Seth graduated from Mansfield Summit High School in Arlington and then from Texas Tech University in 2024 with a degree in personal financial planning, according to his obituary.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The couple had not been public about their relationship until the obituary was released.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The hardware brought a bit of structure to the otherwise soft geometry of the dress, and the flat sole kept the whole look grounded — literally and stylistically.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Matter tells space-time how to curve, and conversely, the geometry of space-time tells matter how to move.
    Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The rout was just one goal shy of matching the Liga MX record for the biggest win in the division's history when Pumas UNAM dominated Veracruz 8-0 back in November 2007.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The suit is part of a history of antagonism between Gillett and the industry over adverse decisions that the utilities argue are based on misapplication of regulatory law.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Sox had an infield configuration of Miguel Vargas at first, Meidroth at second, Colson Montgomery at shortstop and Curtis Mead at third for the first time.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
  • So a small team of researchers developed a system to model different configurations and attempt to optimize for lift.
    Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Profile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profile. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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