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Definition of thinnext
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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

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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

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 connective tissue of Katie and Greg’s relationship is sweet but thin. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026 The gestation of Raw took several years because Kesselman was obsessed with creating a new type of paper — thin, translucent and brown that contained no additives or calcium carbonate (chalk). Steve Bloom, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
Since their efforts began in 2022, the partnership has thinned the overgrown brush and small trees that provide fuel for fires to burn hotter in 44 of the 94 giant sequoia groves in California. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026 The grass can thin out over time due to less oxygen in the soil and can potentially lead to root rot, Mayer adds. Lauren David, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thin
Adjective
  • The incredible true story of Takeru Kobayashi — or how a skinny 22-year-old from Japan shattered world records at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and catapulted the fringe spectacle of competitive eating into a wildly lucrative American sports phenomenon.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Remember his first October appearance last fall, finishing the clinching game of the wild-card series against the Cincinnati Reds, one hitless inning, two strikeouts, everything disappearing at 100 mph out of this skinny kid’s right arm?
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Pawleys Island, South Carolina This slender barrier island about 70 miles northeast of Charleston isn’t a tourist trap, and that’s how locals like it.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The streaming service’s logo appears large on the Hypercar’s slender sides, with some minimal and retro warm-toned stripes breaking up the mostly white bodywork and connecting the headlights.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The latest to join the portfolio is Patrón 100, a tequila that is distilled to proof and bottled at 100 proof or 50 percent ABV, which means the tequila is not diluted with water before bottling.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying to skin, do a patch test first and keep them away from children’s hands, eyes and mouths.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
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 shape of a pot affects drainage, with taller, narrower pots draining better than shorter, wider ones.
    Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, previously handled about 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Kondrat also recommends using diluted fertilizer throughout an orchid’s life, not just when starting a new plant.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Spray the area with the diluted vinegar and water mixture, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The newscast cut the bodycam footage after his entry to protect her identity, but Vogel proudly said there was no cause for concern.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
  • In April 2009, a unanimous council — including first-year member Todd Gloria — embraced Sanders’ plan to impose a 6% cut in pay and benefits for city workers, cutting the shortfall in half.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Pork chops are typically a lean cut, so the meat dries out quickly when cooked past 145°F.
    Wini Moranville, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Fredericson says that exercise also supports weight management by affecting appetite, increasing calorie burn and helping preserve lean muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/thin. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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