paper-thin

adjective

pa·per-thin ˈpā-pər-ˌthin

Synonyms of paper-thin

: extremely thin

paper-thin partitions

Examples of paper-thin in a Sentence

since the wall separating our cubicles is paper-thin, I get way too much information about my coworker's love life

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

The Samsara Tracking Label—released in June—combines them into a paper-thin, disposable adhesive providing real-time shipment visibility. — Jay Bouchard, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Researchers have developed a paper-thin foot membrane that lets crawling microrobots harvest electricity directly from the ground beneath them, ditching heavy onboard batteries by turning metal and silicon surfaces into an active power source. — New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026 These paper-thin Listerine strips dissolve right on your tongue, offering a fuss-free refresh after a meal, cup of coffee, or midair nap. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026 On the heels of a paper-thin primary victory, Jewish voters are not the only group El-Sayed needed to make inroads with. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paper-thin

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of paper-thin was in 1928

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

paper table

paper-thin

paper tiger

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Paper-thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper-thin. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

paper-thin

adjective

Synonyms of paper-thin

Examples of paper-thin in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes