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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective slim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of slim are slender, slight, tenuous, and thin. While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry
a slim chance

When is it sensible to use slender instead of slim?

The words slender and slim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

Where would slight be a reasonable alternative to slim?

In some situations, the words slight and slim are roughly equivalent. However, slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

When can tenuous be used instead of slim?

The words tenuous and slim can be used in similar contexts, but tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

When is thin a more appropriate choice than slim?

While in some cases nearly identical to slim, 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 slim Republicans hold a slim majority in both the House and Senate and are eager to pick up more seats in midterm elections, with Trump's help. Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 As Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) leads the Republican Party into what will likely be a long weekend of negotiations, the GOP must respect that its slim majority in the House and Senate could be threatened by making the wrong move on the SALT cap and Medicaid cuts. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 May 2025 The slim prospect of landing Arteta’s preferred candidate for the centre-forward role seems more remote than ever. James McNicholas, New York Times, 16 May 2025 This helps the headphones fit into a slimmer carrying case, addressing one of the biggest complaints about the previous model. PC Magazine, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for slim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slim
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
  • The new device measures in at 5.8mm, which Samsung claims is its thinnest ever Galaxy S smartphone.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The animals have longer beaks, a more slender build and more distinctive dorsal fins than common bottlenose dolphins, according to Whale and Dolphin Conservation, a nonprofit.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
  • The handle is slender, ergonomically shaped, and has divots for an easier grip (and more control).
    Molly Higgins, Wired News, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The production must be sparse, so the vocal isn’t overpowered.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025
  • While details are sparse, the agreement would keep a blanket 10% levy on British imports.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, Atkinson took up golf for the first time and renewed his connection to scientific research, not the least of which was how a small white ball repeatedly avoids a hole in the ground.
    Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • The Court of International Trade previously rejected the small businesses' request to temporarily pause the tariffs while their lawsuit went forward, but then quickly scheduled Tuesday’s court hearing to decide whether to rule against the tariffs or impose a longer-term pause.
    Dietrich Knauth, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • During the trial, Amélie testified that Depardieu grabbed her hips in a narrow corridor and started touching her, pointing to her buttocks, hip, and pubic area.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2025
  • Sherrill has held a consistent yet narrow lead in recent surveys.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • She was dressed for vacation in a sheer white long sleeve mini dress and slides, while the realtor wore a casual travel-day combo of skinny jeans, a white t-shirt and sneakers.
    Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • Ball is too inattentive on that end despite his impressive offensive skill set, and Miller is quite skinny and struggles to wall up on opposing guards and wings through his core.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • These alliances are particularly beneficial for smaller organizations that stand to gain from pooled resources or those in regions where talent is scarce but demand for specialized staff is high.
    Randy Wong, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Ahead of Pink Elephant, the Montreal collective known for its insistent politics and uplifting lyricism was scarce and guarded in its direct communications.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Signs that frozen chicken has gone bad include freezer burn, an off smell or texture, and discoloration.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
  • Winston will be an example of an off the field leader Dart can learn from, which is likely the reason for Winston earning a two-year contract compared to Wilson’s one-year deal.
    Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slim. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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