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contour Synonyms

Another word for contour

Choosing another word for contour depends on context, so the 23 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 7 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

An outline or bounding line, especially a curving or irregular one, that defines the outer shape or surface form of something.

Usage Example

"The sculptor carefully traced the subtle contours of the model's face in clay."

Strongest
outline
Strong
profile
silhouette
shape
form
curve
Weak
lineament

• verb (Context 2)

To mold, shape, or fashion something so that it follows a curving outline or fits a specific form.

Usage Example

"The car seats are ergonomically contoured to support the driver's lower back."

Strongest
shape
Strong
mold
form
sculpt
model
curve

• noun (Context 3)

A line on a topographic map or chart joining points of equal elevation or depth above or below a specific reference level.

Usage Example

"Closely spaced contours on the hiking map indicated a steep cliff along the eastern ridge."

Strong
isoline
isopleth

• verb (Context 4)

To shade and highlight areas of the face with cosmetics in order to define or enhance its natural bone structure.

Usage Example

"The makeup artist used a matte bronzer to sculpt her cheekbones before the photoshoot."

Strong
sculpt
shade
define

• noun (Context 5)

The general configuration, structure, or characteristic features of an abstract concept, situation, or phonetic pitch pattern (usually used in the plural).

Usage Example

"Historians are still debating the broad contours of post-war economic policy."

Strong
shape
structure
pattern
Weak
framework

• adjective (Context 6)

Shaped or fitted to follow the natural curves or outline of a body, surface, or object.

Usage Example

"She bought a set of fitted sheets that fit snugly over the thick mattress."

Strong
fitted
molded
form-fitting
shaped

• verb (Context 7)

To mark a map or diagram with contour lines, or to construct a road or furrow along the natural elevation lines of a slope.

Usage Example

"Farmers contoured the hillside fields to reduce soil erosion during heavy rains."

Weak
terrace
grade

Opposites of contour

The opposite of contour shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

flat
flatten
unshaped
See all opposites of contour

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Contour. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/contour
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