THIN Synonyms: 197 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

thin 1 of 2

adjective

ˈthin

Definition of thin next

as in skinny

having a noticeably small amount of body fat after starting a workout routine, she looked thinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in slender

being of less than usual width the thin threads of a cobweb

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to dilute

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

Bucs on thin ice to make playoffs After positioning themselves to leapfrog the Falcons in the NFC South standings last week, the Buccaneers suffered a painful 26-24 loss to the Cowboys. —

Mike Jones, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 The Dodgers also signed an outfielder of their own, replenishing their thin depth at the position with a one-year, $17-million contract for veteran Michael Conforto. —

Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024

Verb

Everything from bumps and ridges to thinning to increased peeling to discoloration. —

Melanie Rud, SELF, 24 Oct. 2024 Justin said that a relative of his had a stent put in because of a heart condition, and they were given this drug at the time that thins your blood. —

Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for thin

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thin

Adjective

Meme to Bestsellers: How Barrel Jeans Became Denim’s Biggest Trend Slim, straight, skinny, bootcut, flare, boyfriend and wide leg have all earned their place on the menu and have faced little to no competition from new fits.

Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 Dec. 2024
The new rules implemented at the beginning of 2024 were less impactful to the everyday/non-tournament player, but did include a couple of provisional items related to rally scoring and skinny singles, methods of playing that were officially recognized for the first time.

Todd Boss, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024