thin 1 of 2

adjective

ˈthin How to pronounce thin (audio)
Definition of thinnext
1
as in skinny
having a noticeably small amount of body fat after starting a workout routine, she looked thinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in slender
being of less than usual width the thin threads of a cobweb

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3
as in thinned
not containing very much of some important element the evidence for that oddball theory is pretty thin

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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

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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

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

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 thin
Adjective
Lingerie-style thin straps with gold ring details, shirred sides for a flattering fit, UPF 50 protection. —Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026 Use this to make two thin 4-inch cookies in half the time required by hand irons. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
Plums and pluots are smaller, so they can be thinned to 4-6 inches apart, while still smaller apricots should be separated by 3-5 inches. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026 From there, Sharrow thins down its propeller to precise specification with a five-axis CNC machine and polishes it. —New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thin
  1. skinny
  2. slender
  3. dilute
  4. bony
  5. narrow
  6. diluted
  7. cut
  8. lean
Adjective
  • Isle of Palms Affectionately known as IOP by the locals, this skinny barrier island boasts multi-story houses flanked by palm trees and pools as the default.
    — Stephanie Burt, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 2026
  • But now plus-size shoppers say inclusive sizing is dwindling, as the rise of GLP-1s fuels worries about a return of skinny culture – a fashion and culture resurgence in thinness.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of skinny
Adjective
  • However, as snake plants get older, their long, slender leaves may start to become lanky and floppy or turn yellow and eventually fall over.
    — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026
  • To give the entry a unique twist, a long, slender doorway serves as a welcoming focal point.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026
Definition of slender
Verb
  • The sheer amount of water that fell from the sky during the Kona low storms — about 2 trillion gallons statewide — would have significantly diluted the chemicals everywhere.
    — Thomas Heaton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • But in such arrangements, junior staff can get overlooked, employees can feel directionless, and managers can burn out—or, as Dimon points out, accountability for getting things done can be diluted.
    — Claire Zillman, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026
Definition of dilute
Adjective
  • Lift your hips off the ground and place a block underneath your sacrum, the widest, boniest part of your pelvis.
    — Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024
  • Differences in Adult Bones That being said, some adults are bonier than others.
    — Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 3 Nov. 2023
Definition of bony
Adjective
  • Outside of the narrow narrative of two Western Conference teams playing for identity and clarity ahead of the postseason next week looms a larger picture.
    — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Spring visitors have a narrow window to explore before the green hills go brown, summer heat arrives and the education center closes for six months beginning June 1.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of narrow
Adjective
  • Kondrat also recommends using diluted fertilizer throughout an orchid’s life, not just when starting a new plant.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Spray the area with the diluted vinegar and water mixture, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of diluted
Verb
  • Minnesota led by 10 with about four minutes left before Houston used an 8-2 run, with four points from Alperen Sengun, to cut the lead to 132-128 with about a minute to go.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • It is equipped with fold-out platforms, a large glass-bottom pool, and a lounge with a DJ booth, meaning seafarers can play with water toys by day and cut shapes by night.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of cut
Adjective
  • Pork chops are typically a lean cut, so the meat dries out quickly when cooked past 145°F.
    — Wini Moranville, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Fredericson says that exercise also supports weight management by affecting appetite, increasing calorie burn and helping preserve lean muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Definition of lean

Phrases Containing thin

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thimblerigs
thin
thing
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Cite this Entry

“Thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thin. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of thin for Spanish Speakers

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