slender

adjective

slen·​der ˈslen-dər 

1

a

: spare in frame or flesh

especially : gracefully slight

b

: small or narrow in circumference or width in proportion to length or height

2

: limited or inadequate in amount or scope : meager

people of slender means

slenderly adverb

slenderness noun

Synonyms

• fine
• hairline
• narrow
• needlelike
• paper-thin
• skinny
• slim
• slim-jim
• thin
• ultrathin

Choose the Right Synonym for slender

thin, slender, slim, slight, tenuous 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

slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry

a slim chance

slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

Examples of slender in a Sentence

She has a slender figure.

a flower with a slender stem

an animal with a long, slender snout

Recent Examples on the Web

Available in black, beige and ivory colorways, the calfskin tote features two slender belts across the front, as well as a softened napa lining. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024

The deep roots of the writer’s emotional and physical connection to the place provide a foundation for the slender story. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024

Photo : Brock Sorenson A slender terrace above Condado Lagoon. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2024

Here’s a look at how other free-agent additions are shaping up through eight practices: D-line overhaul Floyd (6-3, 240) has the slender build of an outside linebacker but will be counted upon to provide another outside threat to go with Bosa. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sclendre, slendre, from Anglo-French esclendre

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

slender

adjective

slen·​der ˈslen-dər 

1

: thin entry 1 sense 1, slim

2

: limited or not enough in amount : meager

a slender income

slenderly adverb

slenderness noun