THIN Synonyms: 197 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'thin' contrast with its synonyms?

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

Q: In what contexts can 'slender' take the place of 'thin'?

The words slender and thin can be used in similar contexts, but slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion. // the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

Q: When would 'slight' be a good substitute for 'thin'?

The synonyms slight and thin are sometimes interchangeable, but slight implies smallness as well as thinness. // a slight build

Q: When is it sensible to use 'slim' instead of 'thin'?

The words slim and thin are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness. // a slim volume of poetry // a slim chance

Q: Where would 'tenuous' be a reasonable alternative to 'thin'?

In some situations, the words tenuous and thin are roughly equivalent. However, tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness. // a tenuous thread

thin 1 of 2

adjective

ˈthin

Definition of thin next

as in skinny

having a noticeably small amount of body fat after starting a workout routine, she looked thinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in slender

being of less than usual width the thin threads of a cobweb

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thinned

not containing very much of some important element the evidence for that oddball theory is pretty thin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

thin

2 of 2

verb

as in to dilute

to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances thinned the cream with milk but didn't tell anyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective thin contrast with its synonyms?

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

In what contexts can slender take the place of thin?

The words slender and thin can be used in similar contexts, but slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

When would slight be a good substitute for thin?

The synonyms slight and thin are sometimes interchangeable, but slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

When is it sensible to use slim instead of thin?

The words slim and thin are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry

a slim chance

Where would tenuous be a reasonable alternative to thin?

In some situations, the words tenuous and thin are roughly equivalent. However, tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

Examples 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 thin

Adjective

The lines got shorter, the crowds thinner, and by early 1967, the Scene was in serious trouble. —

Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024 This is especially the case with regular foil, which is thinner and less suitable for intense heat than heavy-duty foil. —

Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2024

Verb

The crowd at the Netflix after-party in Hollywood was thinning fast. —

Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 23 Oct. 2024 The nutritionist recommends thinning out a pesto recipe with lemon juice, Greek yogurt, or nutritional yeast instead of cheese and nuts. —

Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for thin

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thin

Adjective

For those who aren’t fans of wide-leg or baggy silhouettes, Swift’s skinny jeans are a flattering alternative, plus Kate Middleton is a longtime fan of the style.

Nicol Natale, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
Vionic Inessa Boots $190 $68 at Amazon A go-to pair of knee-high boots is a wardrobe essential that can be paired with everything from mini skirts to skinny jeans.

Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2024