as in diluting
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 thinning
However, its rapid growth may necessitate thinning it out from time to time in an ornamental pond environment.
—
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Instead of total elimination, Marrone advocated thinning the mule deer population, but leaving some to eat away at fire fuels and serve as a natural fire protection.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
The same tools that sharpen expertise in some hands can, in others, replace it entirely, leaving organizations with impressive outputs short term but a thinning core of human judgment.
—François Candelon, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Wheeler was slight but handsome, with thinning blond hair fading to gray, a year-round tan, and a pair of penetrating, electric-blue eyes.
—Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Prune for shape and size by removing crossing or weak branches or those growing inward or upward, and thinning out dense areas to create an open structure.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images With their options thinning out and just two weeks remaining before players report to spring training, the San Francisco Giants recently turned up the aggression to get something done on the trade market.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
The data suggests a sector where commitment runs deep, but patience is thinning.
—Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Last November, a report from state wildlife officials found blood-thinning rat poisons in more than 69 percent of wildlife tested, including 95 percent of mountain lions and 100 percent of golden eagles.
—Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Instead of total elimination, Marrone advocated thinning the mule deer population, but leaving some to eat away at fire fuels and serve as a natural fire protection.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
The same tools that sharpen expertise in some hands can, in others, replace it entirely, leaving organizations with impressive outputs short term but a thinning core of human judgment.
—François Candelon, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Wheeler was slight but handsome, with thinning blond hair fading to gray, a year-round tan, and a pair of penetrating, electric-blue eyes.
—Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Prune for shape and size by removing crossing or weak branches or those growing inward or upward, and thinning out dense areas to create an open structure.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images With their options thinning out and just two weeks remaining before players report to spring training, the San Francisco Giants recently turned up the aggression to get something done on the trade market.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
The data suggests a sector where commitment runs deep, but patience is thinning.
—Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Last November, a report from state wildlife officials found blood-thinning rat poisons in more than 69 percent of wildlife tested, including 95 percent of mountain lions and 100 percent of golden eagles.
—Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thinning
Verb
-
While cleaning vinegar is prized for its strength, experts sometimes recommend diluting it with water.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
25 Jan. 2026
-
In a similar lawsuit, Texas Democrats challenged a congressional map drawn by Republicans, arguing that the map likely discriminates against Hispanic and Black Texans by diluting their votes in the upcoming election.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Although the Jayhawks led by as many as 21 points, BYU stayed within striking distance in the second half, cutting the lead to six as the clock ticked under two minutes to go.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
-
There were cancellations and delays, with the Department of Transportation cutting flights due to safety concerns.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Adding 1/2 cup to your washer drum before loading in dirty laundry will help boost the cleaning properties of your detergent.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
17 Jan. 2026
-
Caron added that the crew member involved was reportedly assisting ground staff by loading items as an extra set of hands and may have been left unaccounted for when the doors closed.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Milk, butter and cheese prices on the wholesale market and at grocery stores have decreased slightly due to oversupply and weakening consumer demand.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
9 Jan. 2026
-
This suggests consumers enter 2026 with continuing concerns over high prices and weakening labor market conditions.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thinning. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
