slight 1 of 3

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as in little
of a size that is less than average the slight youth packed a surprisingly solid punch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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slight

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noun

slight

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective slight contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of slight are slender, slim, tenuous, and thin. While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

When is slender a more appropriate choice than slight?

While in some cases nearly identical to slight, slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

When would slim be a good substitute for slight?

The words slim and slight can be used in similar contexts, but slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry
a slim chance

When might tenuous be a better fit than slight?

The synonyms tenuous and slight are sometimes interchangeable, but tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

When is it sensible to use thin instead of slight?

The meanings of thin and slight largely overlap; however, 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 slight
Adjective
For the finishing touches to her look, Queen Letizia added a pair of patent leather red shoes with a slight heel and buckle details. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 June 2025 Areas northwest of a line from St. Joseph to Bethany are at a slight risk for excessive rainfall. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025
Noun
His electoral mandate was forged in backlash to the President’s economic aggression, rhetorical slights, and apparent disregard for Canadian sovereignty. Nik Popli, Time, 5 May 2025 And many fans are taking this as a slight to Meghan, who did not film her cooking show at her real house. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
Plus, an in-demand restaurant at capacity might not feel particularly motivated to go above and beyond to satisfy a diner who feels slighted by their subpar table. Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025 Was slighting the defense to improve the offense worth risking a miss on several top defensive prospects? Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slight
Adjective
  • And while the unemployment rate remains low, hiring has been weak, leaving those without jobs struggling to find new work.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Total textile and apparel exports declined from $44.4 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $35.8 billion in fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31), due to weak global demand and elevated production costs.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Trending Video Inside Lil Baby’s Stylish Atlanta Oasis Other minor, thoughtful details made this bed a special one to me.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 20 June 2025
  • Show more And on Monday, hospital staff accomplished a minor medical feat: doctors birthed triplets in a cesarean section procedure that the delivering physician said would have been complicated and risky even in the best of times.
    NBC News, NBC news, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Iran has helped Russia with military drones throughout the war in Ukraine, but analysts now say there might be very little Moscow can or will to do to reciprocate.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 June 2025
  • The issue passed with opposition from Republicans and 18 skeptical Democrats in the House but with relatively little public outcry.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Treats and train rides are available for a nominal fee.
    Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • Presumably, the series can conclude when our nominal adults finally do get grown.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • This sauce is also the perfect way to add just a small amount of unsweetened dark chocolate into your day.
    Christina Manian, Health, 18 June 2025
  • These small transactions often lead to bigger, more damaging fraud if ignored.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Under it, anyone who defames, insults or threatens the King, Queen, heir apparent, or regent faces three to 15 years in prison.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 26 June 2025
  • In the video, Songz is seen locked in a tense exchange with an unidentified man, with both hurling insults and threats in an escalating war of words.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • That outcome would be one that offends genuine common sense.
    Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 20 June 2025
  • Still, the project might offend fans, especially since the affected films feature beloved martial arts performed by legendary actors, along with practical, old school stunts.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The Republican Study Committee's Maximum Pressure initiative includes 10 bills designed to cut off Tehran's remaining funding, freeze their assets, isolate their regime, and protect U.S. interests.
    Kristen Waggoner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • What’s driving these gains isn’t just isolated use cases or incremental automation.
    Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slight. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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