SLENDER Synonyms: 179 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'slender' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of slender are slight , slim , tenuous , and thin . While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion. // the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

Q: When is 'slight' a more appropriate choice than 'slender'?

The words slight and slender are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slight implies smallness as well as thinness. // a slight build

Q: When would 'slim' be a good substitute for 'slender'?

The words slim and slender can be used in similar contexts, but slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness. // a slim volume of poetry // a slim chance

Q: In what contexts can 'tenuous' take the place of 'slender'?

Although the words tenuous and slender have much in common, tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness. // a tenuous thread

Q: When might 'thin' be a better fit than 'slender'?

While the synonyms thin and slender are close in meaning, 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

adjective

ˈslen-dər

Definition of slender next

as in thin

being of less than usual width graceful, slender table legs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in skinny

having a noticeably small amount of body fat unsurprisingly, the aerobics instructor is slender and athletic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sparse

less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable people of slender means simply can't afford those prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective slender contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of slender are slight, slim, tenuous, and thin. While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

When is slight a more appropriate choice than slender?

The words slight and slender are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

When would slim be a good substitute for slender?

The words slim and slender can be used in similar contexts, but slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry

a slim chance

In what contexts can tenuous take the place of slender?

Although the words tenuous and slender have much in common, tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

When might thin be a better fit than slender?

While the synonyms thin and slender are close in meaning, 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

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 slender National Tree Company Slim Pre-Lit Christmas Tree $170 $68 at Amazon The 6.5-foot Kingswood Fir pencil tree saves valuable floor space while still allowing plenty of room for ornaments, thanks to its slender design, which measures 28 inches in diameter. —

Maggie Horton, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024 The plush cushioning also support your glutes and back, while the slender legs help to avoid too much crowding around a dining table. —

Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024 These tall, slender plants are easily maintained in a compact form. —

Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2025 The slender giant moray (Strophidon sathete) and a few other species can also tolerate and occasionally enter lower-salinity environments such as river mouths. —

Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for slender

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slender

Adjective

Mother Nature removes this thin coating of cement/lime paste over time, exposing the sand color to your eyes.

— Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 25 Jan. 2025
What to order: Your mileage my vary depending on your preferences, but why not start with the New York Original thin crust pizza for $16.95?

— Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2025