contour

noun

ˈkän-ˌtu̇r How to pronounce contour (audio)
Definition of contournext
as in outline
a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface a car with flowing contours

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun contour differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contour are outline, profile, and silhouette. While all these words mean "the line that bounds and gives form to something," contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled.

a car with flowing contours

In what contexts can outline take the place of contour?

The meanings of outline and contour largely overlap; however, outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass.

traced the outline of his hand

When might profile be a better fit than contour?

Although the words profile and contour have much in common, profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.

a portrait of her face in profile

Where would silhouette be a reasonable alternative to contour?

The words silhouette and contour are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 contour Selena Gomez 'Couldn't Figure Out' Her Sound Before Fiancé Benny Blanco Helped Her Make Her First Album in 5 Years Blanco could be seen struggling to figure out what exactly each product does — and eventually used a dark contour stick on Barrymore's forehead and cheeks. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025 This exercise ball is excellent for yoga and Pilates and features a puncture-resistant PVC body with a smooth matte surface and horizontal ribbed contours for superior grip. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025 Sometimes, Goode included a contour drawing of the bottle behind it on the canvas, suggesting that one is the projection of the other. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for contour

Browse Nearby Words

contorts
contour
contours
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Cite this Entry

“Contour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contour. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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