SLENDER Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'slender' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of slender are slight , slim , tenuous , and thin . While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion. // the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

Q: When is 'slight' a more appropriate choice than 'slender'?

The words slight and slender are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slight implies smallness as well as thinness. // a slight build

Q: When would 'slim' be a good substitute for 'slender'?

The words slim and slender can be used in similar contexts, but slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness. // a slim volume of poetry // a slim chance

Q: In what contexts can 'tenuous' take the place of 'slender'?

Although the words tenuous and slender have much in common, tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness. // a tenuous thread

Q: When might 'thin' be a better fit than 'slender'?

While the synonyms thin and slender are close in meaning, thin implies comparatively little extension between surfaces or in diameter, or it may imply lack of substance, richness, or abundance. // thin wire // a thin soup

slender

adjective

ˈslen-dər

Definition of slender next

as in thin

being of less than usual width graceful, slender table legs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in skinny

having a noticeably small amount of body fat unsurprisingly, the aerobics instructor is slender and athletic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sparse

less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable people of slender means simply can't afford those prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective slender contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of slender are slight, slim, tenuous, and thin. While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

When is slight a more appropriate choice than slender?

The words slight and slender are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

When would slim be a good substitute for slender?

The words slim and slender can be used in similar contexts, but slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry

a slim chance

In what contexts can tenuous take the place of slender?

Although the words tenuous and slender have much in common, tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

When might thin be a better fit than slender?

While the synonyms thin and slender are close in meaning, thin implies comparatively little extension between surfaces or in diameter, or it may imply lack of substance, richness, or abundance.

thin wire

a thin soup

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 slender The model and Kora Organics founder opted for the Blossom style from the French luxury house in white patent calf leather, with a slim open toe, a narrow front strap and a slender ankle strap that looped behind the heel. —

Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 June 2026 Its muscular stone-and-concrete base seems to sprout from the landscape, while the translucent, cantilevered second floor appears to tiptoe across it atop slender steel columns. —

Fred Albert, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 In monocots, there is a single slender seed leaf, appearing as a narrow blade. —

Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 June 2026 His culinary minimalism comes through in my favorite dish at Bar Del Monte, slender lamb skewers called arrosticini, which begin with the delivery of a whole lamb to Pastan’s Mount Pleasant restaurant. —

Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for slender

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slender

Adjective

Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
This game isn't in Las Vegas, this is in Sacramento, so the thin air that carried the ball out of the park the past few days is not a factor.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026