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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 Kuo wrote that the ultra-slim model won't be positioned as a replacement for the Plus line, but rather a sign of Apple exploring a new design trend. James Powel, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 The costs are high, and the profit margins are slim. Patrick George, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025 Wing-like daytime running lights run from the fenders inboard above slim headlights. Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025 Waggener also lost her bid for re-election in the local presidential race with Shannon Laine emerging as the winner by a much slimmer margin (69 votes to 65). Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slim
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.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Pair the duo with fairy lights, a thin linen runner, and more faux foliage to create a stunning seasonal scene.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The top-floor primary suite faces the water with a fireplace, a sitting area that spills onto a slender balcony, and a spectacular bathroom that turns bathing and grooming into a ceremony.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025
  • For a modern or narrow doorway, tall, slender plants elongate the entry.
    Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • All these people took advantage of the sheep population, but a remnant of the herd remained among the rocky crags of the San Andres, where grass is sparse and water rare.
    Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Details surrounding the episode were initially sparse.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even if advised by a manufacturer, the marble cleaning solution should still be tested on a small, inconspicuous area before getting started.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Her list continues with small but frustrating oversights.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • They’re also made with arch support and a toe box that’s not too narrow or crammed, per the brand, plus the rubber sole offers a nice cushioned platform with each step.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • With Republicans holding only a narrow majority, the outcomes could shape the balance of power heading into 2026.
    Grace Sandman, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For a cozy, preppy look for fall, for example, pair your favorite brown riding boots with black leggings or skinny jeans and a sweater.
    Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Marguerite Another skinny silhouette, just a little longer.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Treat storage as a scarce public good.
    Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Water is scarce, rationed to just three hours a day in some districts, and packs of stray dogs roam the city.
    Yegor Mostovshikov, The Dial, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Mired in a terrible second-half slump, the center fielder went 2-for-3 with two sacrifice flies after not starting Tuesday and Wednesday and an off day Thursday.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The Jayhawks will attempt to learn from their mistakes during an upcoming off week.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slim. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on slim

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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