slim

adjective

ˈslim How to pronounce slim (audio)
Definition of slimnext
1
as in thin
being of less than usual width a slim volume of poetry

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in slender
having a noticeably small amount of body fat the pressure on ballet dancers to remain gracefully slim

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3
as in sparse
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable slim pickings at the garage sale

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4
as in small
small in degree a slim chance is still better than none

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective slim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of slim are slender, slight, tenuous, and thin. While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry
a slim chance

When is it sensible to use slender instead of slim?

The words slender and slim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

Where would slight be a reasonable alternative to slim?

In some situations, the words slight and slim are roughly equivalent. However, slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

When can tenuous be used instead of slim?

The words tenuous and slim can be used in similar contexts, but tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

When is thin a more appropriate choice than slim?

While in some cases nearly identical to slim, 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 slim Kuo wrote that the ultra-slim model won't be positioned as a replacement for the Plus line, but rather a sign of Apple exploring a new design trend. —James Powel, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 The costs are high, and the profit margins are slim. —Patrick George, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025 Wing-like daytime running lights run from the fenders inboard above slim headlights. —Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025 Waggener also lost her bid for re-election in the local presidential race with Shannon Laine emerging as the winner by a much slimmer margin (69 votes to 65). —Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slim
  1. thin
  2. slender
  3. sparse
  4. small
  5. narrow
  6. skinny
  7. scarce
  8. off
Adjective
  • Leaders who pay attention to these lessons now will be best prepared to thrive in a world where the boundaries between Earth and orbit are becoming ever thinner.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of thin
Adjective
  • This further shrank the already slender Republican House majority.
    — W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • There are several superstar cameos, and they’re nicely integrated into the movie’s slender plot.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of slender
Adjective
  • Model Drift and Fraud Patterns Require Human Feedback In fraud detection, patterns evolve quickly and data remains sparse.
    — Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The floors will be reclaimed plastic and concrete, and the equipment in the hospital will be sparse, as there are no monitors available, Hawash-Kuemmerle said.
    — Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of sparse
Adjective
  • Even if advised by a manufacturer, the marble cleaning solution should still be tested on a small, inconspicuous area before getting started.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Her list continues with small but frustrating oversights.
    — Ashley Vega, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of small
Adjective
  • They’re also made with arch support and a toe box that’s not too narrow or crammed, per the brand, plus the rubber sole offers a nice cushioned platform with each step.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • With Republicans holding only a narrow majority, the outcomes could shape the balance of power heading into 2026.
    — Grace Sandman, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of narrow
Adjective
  • For a cozy, preppy look for fall, for example, pair your favorite brown riding boots with black leggings or skinny jeans and a sweater.
    — Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Marguerite Another skinny silhouette, just a little longer.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of skinny
Adjective
  • Treat storage as a scarce public good.
    — Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Water is scarce, rationed to just three hours a day in some districts, and packs of stray dogs roam the city.
    — Yegor Mostovshikov, The Dial, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of scarce
Adjective
  • Mired in a terrible second-half slump, the center fielder went 2-for-3 with two sacrifice flies after not starting Tuesday and Wednesday and an off day Thursday.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The Jayhawks will attempt to learn from their mistakes during an upcoming off week.
    — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of off

Browse Nearby Words

slights
slim
slime
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Cite this Entry

“Slim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slim. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on slim

Nglish: Translation of slim for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about slim

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