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

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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

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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

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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 But unlike the slender fossils typically associated with these ancient animals, this one had a remarkably thick internal skeleton. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026 Even the two slender shoulder straps emerge from pointed leather tabs that recall the workmanship of a saddle. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026 Chinese Elm Ulmus parvifolia Native to Asia, this tree reaches up to 60 feet tall with a slender trunk and crown. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026 Having grossed a gargantuan $522 million worldwide (on a slender sub-$1 million production budget), Obsession now stands as this year’s highest profile showcase for cinematic noggin smashing. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slender

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slender

Adjective

Humanoid learns factory Gallop’s initial assignment involves packing 15 different motherboard accessories, many of which are small, thin, and enclosed in transparent plastic bags.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2026
If the acting races are thin, the director’s chair is nearly empty.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of thin

Adjective

The Season Eight winner pulled her tight red curls into a high bun, allowing a few sparse curls to escape and trail down her face.

— Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
A couple of decades on, Skepta, another of the grime scene’s early architects, borrows the same icy palette and sparse arrangement for a different account.

— Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of sparse

Adjective

FinFET transistors FinFETs are transistors with narrow silicon channels shaped like upright fins rather than flat structures.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Instead of insisting on playing through pressure, defenders cleared the ball when necessary, stayed compact and protected a narrow lead.

— Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of narrow

Adjective

Because wool was a scarce commodity at the time, Muir put him in double-layered wool coats and linen shirts.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
Parisian couture unions sought official recognition from the government in order for haute couture houses to receive preferential access to scarce raw materials.

— Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of scarce

Adjective

The Canadian firm implemented automotive-style lean manufacturing protocols to speed up unit completion without compromising thermal performance standards.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2026
Only FiftyPlusOne had rated the race as a toss-up, while nine other forecasters rated it as lean or likely Republican.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of lean

Adjective

Paul Fredrick offers more than 50 sizes in three fits — classic, tailored and slim — in its shirts, along with tailoring in a wide range of fabrics and sizes.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Atlanta United’s playoff chances looked slim for awhile, but it was officially eliminated from the MLS Cup playoffs in the previous outing against New York City FC.

— Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of slim

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“Slender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slender. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of slender

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