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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective slim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of slim are slender, slight, tenuous, and thin. While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry
a slim chance

When is it sensible to use slender instead of slim?

The words slender and slim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

Where would slight be a reasonable alternative to slim?

In some situations, the words slight and slim are roughly equivalent. However, slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

When can tenuous be used instead of slim?

The words tenuous and slim can be used in similar contexts, but tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

When is thin a more appropriate choice than slim?

While in some cases nearly identical to slim, 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 slim Produced from 1996 to 2005, the Neptune is an elegant take on the classic sports watch featuring a slim case and an integrated bracelet with fish scale-like links in honor of the god of the sea. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025 Its ribbed hem and cuffs, along with a slim fit, give it a polished, put-together look. Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025 The Ohio governor race has started to come into focus as voters look ahead to the 2026 election contests, and a recent poll has shown Democrat hopeful Amy Acton ahead of Republican frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy—if only by a slim margin. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025 There are also dual Akrapvoic exhausts poking out the rear, framed by slim taillights. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slim
Adjective
  • At Paradromics, researchers have developed a chip with thinner wires than the Utah array, something that reduces, but does not eliminate, the damage done to brain tissue.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
  • This recipe calls for fresh tomatillos, which look like small green tomatoes wrapped in thin papery skin.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • During a test run as the Pioneer transitioned from running on its hull to lifting four feet above the water on its slender foils, several boats coming the other way began to point and wave at us.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The shoe’s tiny heel is slender yet not extremely skinny.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Jessica Knackert, a Milwaukee wildlife educator and biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said one reason is that foliage where coyotes like to conceal themselves becomes sparse at this time of year, as trees lose their leaves and snow starts to fall.
    Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Carson crafts a sparse and reflective modern reimagining that deals with abuse, love and ultimately growth into adulthood.
    Amber McBride, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • At a time when the Mavericks need as much good will, or PR, as possible, filing a lawsuit against the Dallas Stars is petty, small and mean.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The Senate vote to temporarily reopen the government sparked intense controversy within the Democratic Party, as a small group of its senators joined Republicans in backing a deal that did not guarantee the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, a key Democratic priority.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • During this time frame, a narrow, intense lake-effect snow band, only about 10 miles wide, will be capable of thunder, wind gusts near 35 mph and near-zero visibility at its peak.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The climb is infamous for its heart-pumping switchbacks and vertiginous jaunt along a narrow sliver of crag.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Bongiovi wore a red, velvet suit with a skinny black tie to the premiere and the after-party.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Style them with a pleated skirt and sweater for a preppy edge, pull them over skinny jeans for a streamlined look, or pair them with a sweater dress for date night.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Thrombectomy is the gold-standard treatment for major vessel blockages, but access remains scarce.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Palestinians are now returning to destroyed city blocks, where services are scarce, and access to water, food, and electricity is limited.
    Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Other Republicans say the criticism of the party’s performance is overkill, noting that the major elections of the evening took place in blue-leaning states during an off-year election.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Superstar Victor Wembanyama had an off night, scoring just nine points to go with nine rebounds and four blocks.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slim. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.

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