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
Often, the first real cracks appear in prime borrowers who were stretched thin, quietly falling behind while headlines focus on everything else. Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 The Series 10 is also thinner, lighter, easier to wear, and charges faster than previous models. Adrienne So, Wired News, 12 July 2025
Verb
The remaining fruit will be larger and more flavorful than without thinning. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025 For example, what side effects could come from artificially brightening marine clouds, artificially thinning heat-trapping clouds or launching light-reflecting particles high into the stratosphere? Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for thin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thin
Adjective
  • Right where the mural would be painted are two skinny wall panels between a set of balconies with a metal wall jutting out on the right.
    Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
  • In 2025, the bandage dress is experiencing a resurgence alongside the rise of a new skinny culture, fueled by the popularity of Ozempic and similar GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, as well as social media trends such as SkinnyTok — a diet culture that is widespread on TikTok.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • As Artaserse, Kim’s performance took some time to ripen on Friday, his voice sometimes vanishingly slender and lagging behind the orchestra in his first aria to Semira.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
  • Here again, binoculars will prove most beneficial in helping to find not only Pollux and Castor, but this exceedingly slender lunar sliver.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Fill the glass with ice, and repeat with the other glass. 3: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, stir together the Earl Grey simple syrup, lime juice and smoked paprika until thoroughly chilled and diluted, about 15 seconds.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
  • Such critics are concerned that our approach might dilute the sense of urgency necessary and undermine public messaging.
    Francesco Rubino, Time, 9 July 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
  • The 2026 battle for the Senate Republicans currently control the U.S. Senate 53-47, a narrow majority that has nonetheless helped shepherd GOP priorities through Congress along party lines.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Because the vehicle is so narrow, and because it would be classed as a motorcycle in most markets, Scholten envisions it being used to beat traffic congestion via lane-splitting (traveling between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction).
    Ben Coxworth July 11, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The net loss for the first quarter ended May 1 was $8.3 million, or 27 cents per diluted share, which was better than expected.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 5 June 2025
  • The company reported a net loss of $483 million, equivalent to $1 per diluted share.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Every first without him will cut especially deep, but there will also be comfort to be gained from being back together at Kirkby.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • Both headphones are astonishingly quiet, virtually eliminating lower drone sounds, cutting higher frequency noises like key clicks, and even erasing piercing sounds like dogs barking with a bit of music.
    Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • In theory, this model promises leaner, more responsive governance.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • The leaner workforce could impact UPS's operational capacity and affect the businesses and everyday customers who rely on its services.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thin. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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