thin-skinned

adjective

ˈthin-ˌskind How to pronounce thin-skinned (audio)
Synonyms of thin-skinnednext
1
: having a thin skin or rind
thin-skinned oranges
2
: unduly susceptible to criticism or insult : touchy

Synonyms of thin-skinned

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Examples of thin-skinned in a Sentence

she only laughed at the teasing, but a more thin-skinned person would have gotten angry
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.
Cucumbers with thicker skin will last longer than thin-skinned varieties, but they should all be stored the same way. — Susan Hall Mahon, Southern Living, 8 June 2026 This year, however, multiple high level sources said the conglomerates are particularly thin-skinned about the scathing Cannes critics. — Brent Lang, Variety, 16 May 2026 Players and coaches have become maddeningly mealy-mouthed, striving to avoid upsetting agents, sponsors, owners, fans, thin-skinned politicians, and whoever else might object. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026 The interviewees were willing to talk openly and honestly about Trump covered by anonymity, a necessity to protect them from this fiercely thin-skinned and retributive president. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for thin-skinned

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thin-skinned was in 1598

Rhymes for thin-skinned

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Browse Nearby Words

thin skin
thin-skinned
thin-skinnedness
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Cite this Entry

“Thin-skinned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thin-skinned. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thin-skinned

adjective
ˈthin-ˈskind
1
: having a thin skin
thin-skinned oranges
2
: easily bothered by criticism or insult

More from Merriam-Webster on thin-skinned

Nglish: Translation of thin-skinned for Spanish Speakers

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