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
Trying to please everyone Trying to please everyone becomes the fastest way to dilute your value and spread it thin. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 For hours when her mother was at work at the accounting office, Lin crouched by the side of the thin stream, watching the fish. Literary Hub, 6 June 2025
Verb
Menopausal people may also see an uptick in BV and yeast infections as a result of declining estrogen levels, thinning vaginal tissue, and higher vaginal pH, research suggests. Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 13 May 2025 Cosmic radiation can thin the ozone layer and let in more UV light. New Atlas, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for thin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thin
Adjective
  • Note skinnier carrots will cook faster than thicker ones.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025
  • Quarterback Zach Wilson had a nice throw to tight end Jalin Conyers on a skinny post in 7-on-7s.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • The slender figures wear precious garments, enhanced with cabochons and pearls, and adorned with ornaments.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • McMillan also needs to continue working with Carolina’s strength staff, because his lower body has always been slender and could impact his physical ceiling.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • The process starts with extracting CBD from the plant, which is then diluted with coconut oil or hemp seed.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2025
  • By developing a range of hair and body care products for premium boutique hotel destinations, Typology is extending its brand beyond its own ecosystem without diluting its equity.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 2 June 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
  • Beach replenishment also is planned, but the narrow right-of-way through San Clemente includes no room for a second set of tracks.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
  • The Denver Nuggets trailed by 11 with about four minutes left to start the Western Conference semis but stormed back at Paycom Center for a narrow win — the Thunder won that series in seven games.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Use a diluted cinnamon spray to fight fungal diseases such as gray mold and tomato blight, and help protect young seedlings from damping off.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
  • Even stronger-than-expected first quarter results For the quarter ended May 2, Dollar General’s net sales rose 5.3% to $10.4 billion, same-store sales climbed 2.4%, and diluted earnings per share increased 7.9% to $1.78.
    Catherine Baab, Quartz, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • In a series of posts on social media, the National Weather Service warned that that twisters could be cutting across the central and southern part of the metro.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at Tuesday’s briefing that Vought would continue to cut spending, hinting that there could be additional efforts to return funds.
    Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • As tech organizations flatten their hierarchies, restructure teams and return to leaner operating models, one skill separates executives who thrive from those who struggle: the ability to delegate.
    Jimmie Lee, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Another leading indicator warning of a decrease in manufacturing orders and leaner holiday inventories is empty ocean freight containers.
    Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thin. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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