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 keyboards have been completely redesigned, and some of the models are the thinnest the company has ever produced. & Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 23 May 2025 Repeat the third year: mow, fertilize, and thin daughter plants to 6 inches apart. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
Verb
Isotretinoin shrinks the oil glands and thins the epidermal barrier, which could cause dryness of the skin, lips and nose. Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 As a business scales, there’s a risk that the connection to customers will begin to thin out. Jesper With-Fogstrup, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for thin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thin
Adjective
  • The teens proceeded to go skinny dipping, and upon emerging from the water, Abdela was freezing.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Dyson has officially unveiled its skinniest vacuum yet: the new PencilVac, which measures just 38mm in diameter.
    Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Courtesy of Dyson For such a slender vacuum, Dyson managed to squeeze in a ton of noteworthy features.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 22 May 2025
  • In 2016, the Dodgers sent pitcher Zach Lee to the Pacific Northwest in return for the slender middle infielder.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Han and Li’s student-teacher relationship in particular is diluted and lacks necessary grounding, and there’s little compelling friction between the two masters to make up for it.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 May 2025
  • Follow label directions to dilute the concentrate before spraying.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 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 Horned Frogs gave up two late runs in a narrow 2-1 loss to Arizona in the championship game of the Big 12 Tournament on Saturday night at Globe Life Field.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 May 2025
  • The Formula 1 season moves to its most iconic venue this weekend, with the eighth round of the championship taking place around the narrow streets of Monaco.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • In 2024, the retailer posted net income of $12 million, or 13 cents a diluted share, on total revenues of $7.99 billion, which included net sales of $7.97 billion.
    Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 May 2025
  • The profit figure compared with a loss of $1.26 per diluted share in the year-ago quarter.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Republican bill cuts Medicaid for unemployed, undocumented children, Planned Parenthood How much do Americans rely on programs like Medicaid and Social Security?
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Vought compared it to the 1997 Balanced Budget Agreement, which, at the time, cut spending by over $200 billion and did as the name suggests.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • In Bordeaux, maritime humidity, vintage variation, and a later-ripening climate create a leaner, more structured profile.
    Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • In lean budget situations, Padilla said, the state should focus its investments on programs that are having meaningful impact and have the data to prove it.
    Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thin. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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