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

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 On the Fourth of July, New York Harbor will fill with white canvas and slender hulls. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026 This is a comfortable, sleek set of ankle weight cuffs, ideal for those with smaller, more slender ankles. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 There are also games in which a slender win and a slender defeat could be suitable for both parties. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Its grassy leaves arch over, are long and slender, and extend at all angles from the base, like a crazy hair day. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for slender

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slender

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.

— STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
Sprinkle the entire rug with a thin layer of baking soda and wait 20 minutes.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

Definition of thin

Adjective

Core fits across skinny, slim, bootcut and straight continue to make up most of the Levi’s bottoms business, which grew 6 percent in Q2.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 July 2026
Instead of reaching for skinny jeans that’ll cling to your skin, opt for a relaxed style with more room for a breezy feel.

— Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026

Definition of skinny

Adjective

The foundation’s website is sparse, featuring a short mission statement, three stated goals, a donation button, and Pratt’s name.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026
Her efforts turned the exhibit into a showcase of Massachusetts products and culture instead of one of the sparse displays found elsewhere at the fair.

— Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of sparse

Adjective

The broad straps offset the lower neckline, which scoops at its narrowest point for a softer look, rather than forming a harsh line.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 July 2026
Plans with lower monthly costs often have narrower networks of doctors and hospitals, and less generous drug coverage.

— Renuka Rayasam, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026

Definition of narrow

Adjective

Rats are burrowing into aid parcels, forcing people to throw away scarce rice or flour supplies.

— Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Managing scarcity through digital modeling While deuterium is highly abundant and easily extracted from standard seawater, tritium is exceedingly scarce in nature.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026

Definition of scarce

Adjective

The filet mignon stays classy and restrained, while the dry-aged New York strip and ribeye lean deeper into the richness people come to steakhouses for in the first place.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
The diaries taught me that even in lean times, Victorians still prioritized personal style and expression through their clothing.

— Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of lean

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“Slender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slender. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of slender

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