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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

Examples 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 Our fashion editors are loving the wide-leg jean trend which are so effortless to style with cardigans, button downs, and leather jackets on top and loafers, kitten heals, and slim sneakers at the bottom. Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 22 Nov. 2024 The negative stock move is likely a result of the high-growth company forecasting just 7% quarter-over-quarter sales growth in the current period, which would be the slimmest expansion in two years. Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Twin Length: 75 inches Width: 38 inches Best for: As the smallest standard mattress size, twin beds are also perfect for children, but this short and slim size also works well for single adults who are looking to save space in their bedroom. Kathleen Felton, SELF, 20 Nov. 2024 Even though Rocket originated 15% more loans in the third quarter than the previous quarter, its margins on the loans were slimmer, or 2.78% versus 2.99%. Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 12 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slim 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slim
Adjective
  • Those efforts nonetheless take up many hours of screen time, and are padded out by even thinner material like Willis’ friend Fatty (Ronny Chieng) accidentally drawing crowds to Golden Palace by being overly rude to white patrons — a one-note joke sustained for too many beats.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Rule 2: Modulate your own expectations, too Setting personal boundaries about budget and how many people to buy for can help gift-givers avoid stretching themselves too thin.
    Melinda Fakuade, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • European bay leaves are wide in shape and subtle in flavor, while bay leaves grown on the West Coast have a more slender shape and intense flavor.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Just one House seat has yet to be called: In California’s agricultural San Joaquin Valley, Democrat Adam Gray holds a slender lead over GOP Rep. John Duarte in the 13th Congressional District, but the race remains too close to call.
    Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Those in attendance seemed to have fun, even if the internet buzz was pretty sparse.
    Michael Savio, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
  • The collection is sparse from then on, since starting in the early 1970s the sewing industry mirrored the shift to ready-to-wear and away from couture.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Netflix has ordered a second season of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, with Wednesday star Emma Myers returning as a teenage gumshoe who gets to the bottom of murder cases in a small English village.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The movie follows a dancer (Britt Robertson) who gets cut from her company in the big city and returns home to her small town, only to find that her parents’ local performing arts venue is at risk of being closed.
    Leigh Nordstrom, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Shutting down the Department of Education requires congressional approval and with Republicans holding a narrow majority in the Senate, Trump's bid faces a narrow path forward.
    Erin Doherty, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Blackhawks express desperation but don't show it in another narrow defeat What's ailing the Packers in the red zone?
    New York Times, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Dream Pairs Knee-High Boots Tall boots are a versatile style staple that works with everything from floaty mini dresses to skinny jeans, as evidenced by this Jennifer Garner look.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee of the Louisiana Senate has approved the state’s tax credit for film and television production in a version skinnier than before but at least still there.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Though photos are scarce, online listings show a sunken living room sporting a wet bar and a double-sided fireplace that steps up to an adjacent dining area.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Several told ProPublica that cybersecurity contract opportunities are now scarce.
    Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Turn a late off week that drew groans early in the season into a force for good, a re-set, and a launching pad into the final four games.
    Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Part of the balloon broke off in the collision, injuring a 10-year-old girl and an off-duty police officer in the crowd.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near slim

Cite this Entry

“Slim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slim. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on slim

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