Thesaurus results for SILHOUETTE

Q: How does the noun 'silhouette' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of silhouette are contour , outline , and profile . While all these words mean "the line that bounds and gives form to something," 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

Q: Where would 'contour' be a reasonable alternative to 'silhouette'?

While in some cases nearly identical to silhouette , 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 could 'outline' be used to replace 'silhouette'?

In some situations, the words outline and silhouette are roughly equivalent. However, outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass. // traced the outline of his hand

Q: When is it sensible to use 'profile' instead of 'silhouette'?

The meanings of profile and silhouette largely overlap; however, profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background. // a portrait of her face in profile

silhouette 1 of 2

noun

ˌsi-lə-ˈwet

Definition of silhouette next

as in outline

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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silhouette

2 of 2

verb

as in to trace

to draw or make apparent the outline of in the photograph the majestic mountain is strikingly silhouetted against the setting sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun silhouette differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of silhouette are contour, outline, and profile. While all these words mean "the line that bounds and gives form to something," 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

Where would contour be a reasonable alternative to silhouette?

While in some cases nearly identical to silhouette, 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 could outline be used to replace silhouette?

In some situations, the words outline and silhouette are roughly equivalent. However, outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass.

traced the outline of his hand

When is it sensible to use profile instead of silhouette?

The meanings of profile and silhouette largely overlap; however, profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.

a portrait of her face in profile

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 silhouette

Noun

From morning to night, and from summer to winter, the best denim spans a variety of silhouettes and washes. —

Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024 For instances onstage, Lachman established breathtaking silhouettes of the soprano from behind to act as an invitation. —

Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

Verb

In 2024, the trench coat is bolder than ever, in a range of colors and textures, and even silhouettes from cropped to floor-length. —

Vivien Lee, refinery29.com, 2 Oct. 2024 This was one of the archive silhouettes Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri chose to interpret anew via asymmetric riffs on the Bar Jacket and bodysuit, and deconstructed shirting. —

Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for silhouette

Recent Examples of Synonyms for silhouette

Noun

As with the exterior, there are plenty of Tiffany Green accents, including on the headliner, which features an outline of the Yas Marina circuit where the Abu Dhabi GP is held.

Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Dec. 2024
The steel support along the bottom acts as an outline of sorts, creating a fun visual when caught from a neighboring room.

Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024