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 Biden administration lowered prices on 10 widely prescribed drugs, such as the blood thinner Eliquis, which will take effect in 2026. Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 13 May 2025 Kefir usually has a more sour taste and a slightly fizzy, thinner consistency than yogurt. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
Verb
Depth charge With the depth at his position thinned considerably for the rest of spring, Luke Duncan appears on track to be the team’s starting quarterback in the spring showcase next weekend at the Rose Bowl. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025 Taking Blood Thinners Leafy greens are high in vitamin K, which can interfere with the way the medication coumadin, otherwise known as warfarin, thins the blood, says Dr. Shah. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thin
Adjective
  • She was dressed for vacation in a sheer white long sleeve mini dress and slides, while the realtor wore a casual travel-day combo of skinny jeans, a white t-shirt and sneakers.
    Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • Ball is too inattentive on that end despite his impressive offensive skill set, and Miller is quite skinny and struggles to wall up on opposing guards and wings through his core.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Courtesy of Dyson For such a slender vacuum, Dyson managed to squeeze in a ton of noteworthy features.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 22 May 2025
  • In 2016, the Dodgers sent pitcher Zach Lee to the Pacific Northwest in return for the slender middle infielder.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Pureeing the fresh strawberries gives the lemonade body, but also ensures the strawberry flavor isn’t diluted.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 15 May 2025
  • This urine can simply be scattered around the ground, diluted into a fertilizer or disposed of in a toilet back home, depending on the situation.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 May 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
  • During the trial, Amélie testified that Depardieu grabbed her hips in a narrow corridor and started touching her, pointing to her buttocks, hip, and pubic area.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2025
  • Sherrill has held a consistent yet narrow lead in recent surveys.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • In 2024, the retailer posted net income of $12 million, or 13 cents a diluted share, on total revenues of $7.99 billion, which included net sales of $7.97 billion.
    Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 May 2025
  • The profit figure compared with a loss of $1.26 per diluted share in the year-ago quarter.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Republican bill cuts Medicaid for unemployed, undocumented children, Planned Parenthood How much do Americans rely on programs like Medicaid and Social Security?
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • The president has cut the Israelis out of regional decision making and reportedly kiboshed a plan to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • In Bordeaux, maritime humidity, vintage variation, and a later-ripening climate create a leaner, more structured profile.
    Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • For overall health, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend choosing lean, unprocessed poultry when possible.5 6.
    Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thin. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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