thin 1 of 2

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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

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

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
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, 23 Oct. 2025 Qing Yuan seldom complained about Qi Chu’s tardiness, but this morning his patience had grown thin. Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
A couple Rose Bowls and legitimate Heisman Trophy chances thinned the air with expectation. Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 The fatigue sets in, your patience thins, and suddenly, the thought of heading home sounds irresistible. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thin
Adjective
  • Crafted in Italy, the roomy, slip-on silhouette boasted a silver-tone leather upper, as well as a pointy toe and skinny 105mm stiletto heel.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2025
  • To portray the famous couple, Kourtney wore a mesh T-shirt, studded leather pants and a curly blonde wig, while the Blink-182 drummer wore a leather jacket, skinny jeans and a spiked black wig.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The minimalist silhouette is set on a slender 110mm stiletto heel, and features a delicate crossover toe strap, three straps over the back of the foot and slim straps around the ankle that give it a barely-there finish.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The long, slender necks and arched stems of Bosc pears, the round, silhouette of Comice.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Americano Americano is a shot of espresso that’s diluted with hot water, resulting in a smoother and more balanced flavor.
    Laura Schober, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
  • While bleach should never be used at full-strength on any floors, it can be diluted and used on concrete, tile, and sometimes vinyl.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
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
Adjective
  • United, some of whose senior leadership team, including its chief executive, Scott Kirby, came from American, has done the opposite and is in the process of adding thousands of screens to narrow-body planes both new and old, including Bluetooth technology for wireless headphones.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The Fitzgerald was designed to carry as much cargo as possible and still fit through the narrow locks at Sault Ste.
    Kevin Duchschere, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Essential oils can be used in various ways, such as inhaling them through a diffuser or applying a diluted solution to the skin.
    Emily Brown, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Empty the bird baths and wash them with a diluted solution of vinegar and water, and dry before refilling.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Overall, the inflation data likely add fuel to expectations that the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates by another quarter percentage point at its policy meeting later this month - its second consecutive cut.
    NPR, NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Superstar Shohei Ohtani launched a two-run shot to cut the lead down to 11-4, but the momentum still appeared to be on the Blue Jays' side in a raucous Rogers Centre.
    Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Much of what is imported is lean beef trimmings that meatpackers mix with fattier beef produced in the United States to produce the varieties of ground beef that domestic consumers want, so any change in imports would affect primarily hamburger.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • If your goal is to increase protein intake, choose leaner fish.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thin. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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