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profile

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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

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
Noun
Both Adobe Lightroom and Lightroom Classic include a profile for the lens that applies correction on catalog import. PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 Insecure guys might consider chewing rock-hard gum to chisel their profiles (potentially putting themselves at risk for temporomandibular disorders) or seeking out jawline filler. The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
Beck made his formerly public Instagram profile private, too. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 In an effort to gain a clearer understanding of how the group operates, ProPublica has spent weeks identifying and profiling its staff. Christopher Bing, ProPublica, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for profile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profile
Noun
  • The wave that inspired this project is that of the Adriatic, characterized by a fluid, continuous motion shaped by the contours of the seabed.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Its curved head glides easily over the contours of the face, helping your serums, lotions and creams absorb more easily.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • These handouts reportedly outlined how individuals using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) could be eligible for the Child Tax Credit.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • However, some of the guidelines outlined in the iPLEDGE program were previously overly strict, confusing and non-inclusive.
    Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • From Carol Stream, Kyle Daily’s knives have playful handles with a contoured coke-bottle shape, whimsical file work along the spine and studs pressed in like polka-dots.
    Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The shapes used throughout the cabin solidify the Duster’s rugged character, but a quick knuckle tap on the various plastics quickly reminds you of its affordability factor.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In an online obituary, Maxwell's family and well-wishers remembered him as a cherished brother and son.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Corenswet knows Superman will lead his IMDb page, his Wikipedia entry, his obituary.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Eddie Murphy has nine other children, and Angel was pictured with all of their siblings in 2018 during an epic family holiday photo that went viral.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Days later, the pair were spotted in the city once again as they were pictured looking cozy during a stroll.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • What was the sort of geometry of putting this cast together?
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Steel Nomad's regular and Light subtests focus on APIs more commonly used for game development, like Metal and DirectX 12, to assess gaming geometry and particle effects.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This reframing has the potential to catalyze one of the most significant capital redeployments in modern U.S. history.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Both teams needed big comebacks to power into the final game, with Houston pulling off one of the most unlikely come-from-behind wins in Final Four history.
    Andrew Torgan, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Tickets are also available in various multi-day configurations that include admission to Universal Orlando’s other parks.
    Adrian Ruhi, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
  • However, within minutes the configuration changed again.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Profile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profile. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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