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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The Republicans hold slim majorities in both chambers of Congress. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026 Grocery stores – known for running on slim profit margins – are adopting them late in part due to their high upfront cost, Semmann said. —Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026 The competition is incredibly tough, and the margin for error is incredibly slim. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2026 Chicago answered, with Collin Sexton matching the 12-point outburst and getting enough help from Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey to grab a slim 31-27 edge. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026 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
  • Without reliably cold temperatures, snow is wetter and thinner, conditions are rainier — and for athletes that can be dangerous.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • And the attorneys who are assigned are often spread thin and unable to provide quality representation, let alone peer support.
    — Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of thin
Adjective
  • These ingredients were ground and washed by hand, stored in ornate vessels and applied with slender sticks—often as part of an intimate, almost ceremonial process passed down through generations of women.
    — Amelia Dhuga, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Korinek is youthful and slender, with delicate wire-frame glasses and a faintly red beard.
    — Josh Tyrangiel, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of slender
Adjective
  • How to Prune String of Hearts String of hearts tends to grow long and sparse, with most of the fullness gradually drifting away from the pot, says Rachael Kemery, founder of Rising Iris Farm.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Details are still sparse, but the governor insists a public option would save money for residents and the state.
    — Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of sparse
Adjective
  • Caudle told The Associated Press in a recent interview that his vision is to deploy smaller, newer ships when possible instead of consistently turning to huge aircraft carriers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The small edit stood out for its playful party spirit and the brand was instantly associated to a sense of fun and maximalism unusual in the Scandinavian fashion scene.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of small
Adjective
  • Such a narrow margin means only a handful of disgruntled GOP members are needed to deal a defeat to their party leadership.
    — Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • On that day, the moon will completely cover the sun for several minutes along a narrow path of totality that sweeps across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of narrow
Adjective
  • Kyle is freaking out about Amanda getting in the pool naked, even though there is a long history of them skinny-dipping as a house.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The black satin platform booties, which retail for $2,195, featured a bold square toe box, a corset-esque lace-up detail in front, and a skinny over six-inch stiletto.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of skinny
Adjective
  • Although plants played a central role in subsistence for centuries, Neolithic communities heavily relied on human and animal figures, with scarce traces of plant visual representation, such as flowers, shrubs, and branches.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2026
  • For fans, that means tickets available at face value are scarce.
    — Julian Torres, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of scarce
Adjective
  • Though no date has been set, the Dodgers will play three games in Washington from April 3 to 5, with an off day April 2 following a six-game homestand to open the season.
    — Ed Guzman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Both companies are known for their off-Loop musicals and are longtime favorites of the all-volunteer Joseph Jefferson Awards committee.
    — Doug George, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
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 Feb. 2026.

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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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