silhouette 1 of 2

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

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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

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 silhouette
Noun
And this season, there are plenty of styles to choose between, from genuine suedes to faux leathers in a variety of silhouettes — think clutches, satchels, and shoulder bags. Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 18 Mar. 2025 Bucket Hats: The Classic That Keeps Reinventing Itself Despite the emergence of more dramatic silhouettes, the bucket hat maintains its stronghold on casual fashion. Essence, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
Wide legs remain the go-to silhouette across the denim market from premium denim labels like DL1961 and Citizens of Humanity to designer collections like Gucci, MSGM and Roberto Cavalli. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Jan. 2025 Guests are silhouetted against the flames, none of them competing with the electronic illumination of screens. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for silhouette
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silhouette
Noun
  • The creamy texture of the crayon prevents the pencil tip from dragging or pulling at the skin, while its high color-payoff leaves behind a fine outline in either Black, Brown or Burgundy.
    Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • For a full breakdown of the registration process, refer to the outline below: After reaching a sign-up landing page, make sure to input bonus code NEWSWEEK1500.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • At one point, the woman’s call to 911 ended, but dispatchers were able to re-establish communications and traced the car to Buffalo Grove.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Even when transactions are obfuscated, pre- and post-mix analysis allows investigators to trace movements once funds interact with exchanges or identifiable wallets.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • With the funding, city staff will sketch out a pedestrian refuge island at the curve in the street, as well as a pedestrian warning signal.
    Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Since cumulative complexity appears not to be the most important difference, several researchers are sketching out a new perspective: Human culture is uniquely open-ended.
    Eli Elster, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The original music video is basically a love letter to the sandwich itself, packed with shoutouts to favorite bodegas, playful debates over prices, and the kind of everyday moments that define a New York morning.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The lid remains fixed and firm, and Marion’s enthusiasm and zest to achieve has also defined the program in short order.
    Joe Davidson, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Silhouette.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silhouette. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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