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

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

This wasn't your typical retro bombshell style, however; the curls were teased all the way up for an exaggerated silhouette that added inches to Rinna's height. —

Kara Nesvig, Allure, 31 Jan. 2025 While elaborate sleep setups like romantic canopy beds are back in style, the most streamlined silhouette for your bedroom will always and forever be one of the best platform beds. —

Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025

Verb

Flocks of birds are silhouetted on the walls, along with puffy clouds, deer, and trees. —

IEEE Spectrum, 15 Jan. 2010 Bowen, who played type-A mom Claire Dunphy on the hit sitcom, posted an Instagram photo Thursday evening showing one of her boys silhouetted against the glow of the ER entrance. —

EW.com, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for silhouette

Recent Examples of Synonyms for silhouette

Noun

The planning boards are the outline of structured communications among nurses, doctors and patients.

— Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Jan. 2025
Among a plethora of statement outerwear this season, the shearling coat — done in alpaca — came to the fore as an all-time classic to embrace, which Johnson presented in a mid-length suede version with 3D outlines for patch pockets and buttonholes.

— Sandra Salibian, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025