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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 Popular evergreen options like arborvitae, especially slender types such as Forever Goldy Arborvitae, offer height without taking up much space. Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 8 May 2025 For hours, onlookers watched patiently as the screens showed little more than the chapel's slender chimney and the occasional seagull. Dan Gooding gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025 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 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, 25 May 2025
  • And was there ever, complete with Angus Young, knobby knees and thin ankles, scampering, duck-walking and hopping from place to place.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 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
  • The Spa The Recovery Lab feels more like a doctor’s office than a traditional spa, with sparse white walls and minimal decor.
    Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2025
  • But turnout at Wednesday’s sessions was sparse; at faculty and student forums, more than half of the seats were empty.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Horned Frogs gave up two late runs in a narrow 2-1 loss to Arizona in the championship game of the Big 12 Tournament on Saturday night at Globe Life Field.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 May 2025
  • The Formula 1 season moves to its most iconic venue this weekend, with the eighth round of the championship taking place around the narrow streets of Monaco.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 24 May 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
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
  • In Bordeaux, maritime humidity, vintage variation, and a later-ripening climate create a leaner, more structured profile.
    Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • For overall health, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend choosing lean, unprocessed poultry when possible.5 6.
    Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • German filmmaker Petzold comes to Cannes for the first time with a minor-key new drama, which burrows into the psyche despite its slim running time and almost perverse refusal to explain itself or the shapes its narrative takes.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 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

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Cite this Entry

“Slender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slender. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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