slight 1 of 4

1
2
3
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

4
5

slight

2 of 4

noun (1)

slight

3 of 4

verb

1
2
3
4

slightness

4 of 4

noun (2)

1
2
as in lightness
the state or quality of having little weight his slightness will serve him well if he ever decides to become a jockey

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in negligibility
the quality or state of being unimportant most moviegoers were not in the least bothered by the slightness of the plot—they were there for the special effects in any event

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  • 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
  • The inference here is that women’s speech is coded as weak and men’s, the direct opposite.
    Megan C. Reynolds, Time, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • At the hospital, Knight was treated for minor injuries and released while Shakur was listed in critical condition.
    Danielle Bacher, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • Consumer prices were absolutely stable on average from 1800 to 1913, dispensing with minor yearly variation, and there was no income tax.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Presidents have relatively little influence on oil and gasoline prices generally.
    Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 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
  • The veteran would be a small upgrade in the outfield for the Padres.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Those are the numbers for a 2.5-MW commercial-scale version, anyway; thus far, the idea has only been tested at smaller scale.
    Loz Blain June 30, New Atlas, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump has repeatedly insulted Powell and called him names.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 26 June 2025
  • In particular, its retread of plot elements that had already been rehashed to death was annoying and borderline insulting at this point.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • What’s driving these gains isn’t just isolated use cases or incremental automation.
    Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • The reckoning that followed the murder of George Floyd has given way to a backlash and a president who disdains efforts at equality, complains of anti-white prejudice and purges powerful Black men and women in the name of a mythical colorblind society.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
  • But just because a stock has been quiescent for a while is no reason to disdain it.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Slight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slight. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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