slight 1 of 3

1
2
3
as in little
of a size that is less than average the slight youth packed a surprisingly solid punch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5

slight

2 of 3

noun

slight

3 of 3

verb

1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective slight contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of slight are slender, slim, tenuous, and thin. While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

When is slender a more appropriate choice than slight?

While in some cases nearly identical to slight, slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

When would slim be a good substitute for slight?

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

a slim volume of poetry
a slim chance

When might tenuous be a better fit than slight?

The synonyms tenuous and slight are sometimes interchangeable, but tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

When is it sensible to use thin instead of slight?

The meanings of thin and slight largely overlap; however, 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 slight
Adjective
This snapshot suggests that China is approaching Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs — on top of the 20% taxes Trump has already imposed — with a slight bit of momentum. William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The game will take place in Allentown, Pennsylvania, giving Penn State a slight home advantage. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
For decades after the first eight planets were barnstormed, orbited, and landed upon by spacecraft from Earth, Pluto remained the only one of the solar system’s major worlds that never received a visit—a slight that was not rectified until the New Horizons spacecraft flew by it in 2015. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 18 Feb. 2025 Thursday night’s news that Manning didn’t get into Canton in his first year eligible, therefore, doesn’t need to be viewed as a slight. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
But don’t slight Southern California’s earlier signature trees. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025 More than 65 breweries will be present, and while San Diego is slighted — the only local in the lineup is North Park Beer Co. — this is a heavy-hitting group: Russian River, Trillium, Garage Project, Three Floyds, Cellarmaker, Alchemist and the like. Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slight
Adjective
  • However, a weaker dollar, resulting from tariffs and other policies, makes that harder for exporters.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • After seven episodes of pained teeth-gritting and wide-eyed astonishment, he’s found closure in confronting the man who killed his father (or not) and finding only a weak old guy too sickly to punch.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.
    William B. Davis, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Three other family members, two children and one 19-year-old, suffered minor wounds.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Even with Hollywood’s diminished state in China, the film business is one sector where the U.S. maintains a sizable trade surplus with its geopolitical rival, as Chinese films, despite their enormous earnings in the home market, have made little headway with mainstream North American moviegoers.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • For starters, the clear formula comes in a cute little bottle that looks more like a serum than tanning drops.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These games will be purchasable standalone on the eShop and presumably at retail, or upgraded to for a nominal fee for existing owners of the game, much like how the PS5 handles its cross-gen upgrades.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • For adults, the service would be available for a nominal fee.
    Federico Guerrini, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With any luck, a little digestive distress will be just a small trade-off for getting past your illness and feeling like yourself again.
    Beth Krietsch, SELF, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Lee already had six permanent tattoos –– small ones easily hidden by clothing –– and thought this was a good opportunity to try out a more visible tattoo.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In a workplace that’s increasingly remote, fast-paced, independent and ever-changing, these aren’t insults.
    Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Recent White House comments and insults directed at NATO allies – as well as the military alliance itself – have raised alarm and confusion.
    Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • A lot of the time, the people on the stage or on the show, they’re not even offended.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That clip became so prominent in part because, the same week, Barrett offended the Trump base.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ill passengers and crew were isolated, and medical staff collected stool samples for further analysis.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Seniors who are struggling with their health or are isolated after friends pass or move away can find assistance at either center by signing up with PACE, Jurgensen said.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slight. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on slight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!