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 frames are thin all the way around, for a barely-there look that gives you a sense of sophistication. Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025 From the front, the Aspen features a thin black or clay-colored outer bezel with a 1.3-inch off-white mat around the screen. PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
My favorites tend to possess a large brim that falls in gentle folds around my face, covering my now shorter and remorselessly thinning hair and quite sensitively shadowing the varied assaults of time on my complexion. Judith Viorst, Allure, 1 Apr. 2025 With injuries to forwards Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun, and Haji Wright recently getting back in action after four months on the sidelines, head coach Mauricio Pochettino's options thinned a bit. Michael Lewis, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thin
Adjective
  • Here are the shoes to wear with skinny jeans to look chic in Spring 2025.
    Renata Joffre, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Advance Denim is expanding its stretch technologies to support the resurgence of skinny jeans in the market.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The three super skinny pen tips can go from creating impossibly slender, seemingly real brow strokes to a cluster of freckles across the cheeks much like a stamp.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But Cummings prefers to mail the slender tubes back to Crown Bees, which will care for them over the winter.
    Martha Ann Overland, NPR, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To take apple cider vinegar before bed, dilute it in water and drink the mixture 2-3 hours before bed to prevent acid reflux.
    Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Sometimes, the healthiest choice is saying no — to overcommitment, to untrustworthy allies, to mission creep that dilutes your impact, or to compromises that undermine your values.
    Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 9 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
  • On Saturday, the narrow field caused both teams to adapt to tighter spaces and quicker play.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Encircled by ancient stone walls, the village feels suspended in time, with narrow cobbled streets, where artisans’ shops, small galleries, and charming cafés are tucked into old white houses outlined in blue, blending seamlessly with the historic character.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Other fluids may promote urination or help dissolve stones, including hibiscus tea, wheatgrass juice, celery juice, lemon juice, or diluted apple cider vinegar.
    Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The philosophy behind Four Seasons Whistler's spring program reflects a profound understanding that this transitional season offers not compromise but enhancement—not a diluted version of winter or summer but a unique period with distinctive character and unparalleled variety.
    Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Now cuts to federal funding threaten efforts to prevent more cases and outbreaks.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Those scenes were ultimately cut for space before the show ever started production, so Mazin resurrected the idea for Season 2.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Americans are advised to eat more fruits and vegetables, include a variety of protein sources—seafood, lean meats, poultry, eggs, legumes, soy products, and unsalted nuts/seeds—and opt for protein sources lower in solid fats and calories.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Coreopsis verticillata Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Type: Dry to medium, well-draining, lean Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 With airy foliage and sunny daisy-like blooms, threadleaf coreopsis may look delicate but this native perennial is one tough plant.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thin. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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