skinny 1 of 2

skinny

2 of 2

noun

slang
as in scoop
information not generally available to the public a TV show that offers all the skinny on Tinseltown and the stars that light it up

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective skinny contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of skinny are gaunt, lanky, lank, lean, rawboned, scrawny, and spare. While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality.

a scrawny chicken
skinny street urchins

When is gaunt a more appropriate choice than skinny?

The meanings of gaunt and skinny largely overlap; however, gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering.

a prisoner's gaunt face

When is it sensible to use lank instead of skinny?

While the synonyms lank and skinny are close in meaning, lank implies tallness as well as leanness.

the lank legs of the heron

Where would lanky be a reasonable alternative to skinny?

In some situations, the words lanky and skinny are roughly equivalent. However, lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness.

a lanky youth, all arms and legs

When can lean be used instead of skinny?

While in some cases nearly identical to skinny, lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours.

a lean racehorse

When might rawboned be a better fit than skinny?

The synonyms rawboned and skinny are sometimes interchangeable, but rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment.

a rawboned farmer

When could spare be used to replace skinny?

The words spare and skinny are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise.

the gymnast's spare figure

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 skinny
Adjective
From patchwork jeans inspired by Jennifer Aniston to skinny styles that look like Kate Middleton’s divisive pants, there are tons of options worthy of a spot in your cart (and fall wardrobe) right now. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 Opt for black leggings or skinny jeans tucked in for a more refined riding boot-like aesthetic. Clare Holden, Glamour, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
Like the Oscar winner before him, who went from American Psycho fit to The Machinist skinny by eating 200 calories a day, Butler has taken on a range of parts that push his body to the limits ever since his breakout role in Elvis. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2025 Even if your lime green leopard print skinnies and Obey tees are buried deep in the depths of your closet, stepping back through that threshold might uncover more than your old, tacky but favorite outfits. Alexandra Jane, Essence, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for skinny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skinny
Adjective
  • This process transformed the plastic into porous carbon powder, which was then combined with carbon black and a polymer binder to form thin electrode layers.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Dry the nuts in a thin layer, then remove the husks wearing gloves.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The slender aspens unfurl golden banners against the dark wall of evergreens.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The shoes featured a scalloped toe box in a pale pink hue, offset by gold slingback straps and slender matching heels.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Each scoop delivers 75 vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and adaptogens sourced from greens like alfalfa, spirulina, and artichoke.
    Olivia Tarantino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The Stride Flex Tank features a scoop neckline and racerback straps and is created in a moisture wicking and odor-resistant blend of 66 percent polyester, 30 percent lyocell and 4 percent spandex.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Colorado State is currently mired in a three-game losing streak, following a narrow 21-17 win over Northern Colorado.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Whatever the catalyst, a change in the political environment seemed to connect with a social change that brought back narrow, and at times constrictive, ideas of womanhood depicted in media.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Lift your hips off the ground and place a block underneath your sacrum, the widest, boniest part of your pelvis.
    Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024
  • Differences in Adult Bones That being said, some adults are bonier than others.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 3 Nov. 2023
Noun
  • Hat tips go to left tackle Jaylon Moore — who stepped in for Josh Simmons at the last minute, against one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league — and, of course, Kelce.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Some journalists argued that such activity as posting a call for tips on social media would run afoul of the rules.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Get a lean, mean cleaning machine for less thanks to these Prime Big Deal Days robot vacuum and mop deals.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Whether a proliferation of new Gatorade products runs counter to the leaner assortment Elliott wants to see across drink brands remains to be seen.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On Wednesday evening, North Carolina and Belichick released a joint statement to shut down rumors that the program was getting set to move on from the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The discussion comes weeks after both Michelle and Barack Obama had to shoot down divorce rumors.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 11 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skinny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skinny. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on skinny

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!