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

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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
Acupuncture Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine that involves placing thin needles into the skin to help treat health problems. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 30 Apr. 2025 Shakes made with water have a thinner texture than those made with milk. Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
Drinking fluids can thin the mucus blocking your nose and help drain congestion. Lauren Schlanger, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025 This radiation thins Earth’s ozone layer and lets in more ultra violet (UV) and the interaction of these particles with the Earth’s magnetic field also results in aurora. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thin
Adjective
  • Keep scrolling to shop more skinny jeans, blazers, and button-down shirts inspired by Kate Middleton’s outfit blueprint below.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • These cars, with their skinny tires up front, skeletal body and explosive engine, generate up to 11,000 to 12,000 horsepower and reach speeds in the mid-300 mphs in just 1,000 feet and require parachutes to safely arrive at a stop.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The borer is essentially a narrow drill that extracts a slender core from a living tree without killing it.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • For his slender frame (6-foot-1, 181 pounds), his timed speed is below average and could force teams to look elsewhere.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The plain and active meaning of the word cannot be diluted by its constriction, as the government would have it, to a narrow term of art.
    TIME Staff, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This approach dilutes your unique value proposition and distracts from your primary purpose.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 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
  • Spotlights provide a narrower beam of light that is better for seeing long distances.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
  • Often, places didn’t live up to the listings, with professional photos that turned dark into light, small into large, narrow into wide.
    Joyce Cohen, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Philip Morris smokes estimates Philip Morris International (PM) reported first-quarter results that exceeded expectations, with adjusted diluted earnings per share growing 12.7% to $1.69.
    Kevin Ryan, Quartz, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Net income was $646 million, or 34 cents per diluted share.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The state says the rule is crucial to meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and cutting smog-forming pollutants.
    David Shepardson, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • With the new order, Trump is threatening to cut federal funds to cities and states his Administration decides are blocking his mass deportation effort.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With between-the-tackles runner Ray Davis on the roster for the next three seasons, a pass-catching presence would be the likely lean if the Bills do take one.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The modern paleo diet includes foods such fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thin. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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