PROFILE Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

profile 1 of 2

noun

Definition of profile next

as in contour

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in character sketch

Synonyms & Similar Words

profile

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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

Noun

The school denied any interviews with teachers for a profile The Enquirer did of Ramaswamy in October, citing fear of losing the school’s nonprofit status. —

Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 16 Dec. 2024 Since the 2013 incident, Curtis has kept a low profile. —

Emily Blackwood, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024

Verb

Basketball writers profile and rank the top 100 players in NBA history. —

Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024 In 2017, Trump pardoned former Maricopa County, Arizona, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was charged with criminal contempt of court for disobeying a federal judge's order to stop racially profiling in detaining individuals suspected of being in the country illegally. —

Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for profile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for profile

Noun

Brush 100, the tiniest of the set, is ideal for detailed application around the inner corner of the eyes or nose contour.

Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
Here’s How to Shop for the Right Strap-On By Malia Griggs Ogee Golden Contour Collection Ogee Ogee Golden Contour Collection $115 Ogee This splurge-worthy makeup set, which includes a cream stick contour, blush, and highlighter, will totally transform your giftee’s makeup routine in the best way.

Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 23 Nov. 2024