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

as in contour

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Dissimilar Words

as in character sketch

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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

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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

Garmin Smartwatch Early Labor Day Deal The 41mm Garmin Venu 3S packs advanced health coaching and lifestyle convenience into a sleek, lightweight profile. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 At the same time, low-profile and outdoor-inspired footwear continue to have real momentum and will be key trends heading into spring/summer 2027. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

Along with profiling the life of Oliver, who died in 2019, the film features poetry recitations by Oprah Winfrey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Buscemi and others. — ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026 The book profiles government officials who cooperated across party lines. — Emily Staunton, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for profile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for profile

Noun

Three layers of foam contour to your body and help take pressure off areas that need it most.

— Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Despite this, black jackets and hair in the party scenes look properly dark while still showing their cuts and contours, and white shirts, lights, and balloons in the same shots all look bright while similarly preserving details.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of contour

Verb

The order Graf read from the bench outlined the evidence presented during the hearing, ruling that the prosecution had met the threshold of probable cause and can still pursue the death penalty.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
Partnership could eventually reach 18 GWh The agreement currently guarantees the supply of the first 9 GWh of battery cells, but the companies have also outlined a framework for another 9 GWh.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of outline

Noun

During his career, Martin served as the chairman of several organizations, including the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce, United Way and the Governor's Scholar Foundation, according to an obituary.

— Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Aug. 2026
Suddenly, the obituaries of the last few months are turning into rebound stories, but both of these narratives obscure what’s really going on.

— Peter Mintzberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of obituary

Verb

Above, the actor is pictured in a scene from 1978’s Days Of Heaven,’ alongside Brooke Adams.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
After years spent teasing a legally impossible third term, Trump is now describing life after January 2029, picturing himself at home as a successor claims credit.

— Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of picture

Noun

Such components can benefit from additive manufacturing because the technology lets engineers create geometries that would be difficult or impossible to produce with traditional manufacturing methods.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
His research focus is the geometry of the early universe, the physics of fine-tuning and quantum gravity.

— Big Think, Big Think, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of geometry

Noun

This week, the Indiana Fever point guard became the first player in WNBA history with consecutive games of 30 points and 10 assists.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
As crowds gathered and the idea caught fire, Hard Rock began taking its particular mix of burgers, band tees, and music history around the world, eventually opening its first Asian cafe in Tokyo in 1983.

— Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of history

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proficients

profile

profiled

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“Profile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profile. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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