SLENDER Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'slender' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of slender are slight , slim , tenuous , and thin . While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion. // the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

Q: When is 'slight' a more appropriate choice than 'slender'?

The words slight and slender are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slight implies smallness as well as thinness. // a slight build

Q: When would 'slim' be a good substitute for 'slender'?

The words slim and slender can be used in similar contexts, but slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness. // a slim volume of poetry // a slim chance

Q: In what contexts can 'tenuous' take the place of 'slender'?

Although the words tenuous and slender have much in common, tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness. // a tenuous thread

Q: When might 'thin' be a better fit than 'slender'?

While the synonyms thin and slender are close in meaning, 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

slender

adjective

ˈslen-dər

Definition of slender

as in thin

being of less than usual width graceful, slender table legs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in skinny

having a noticeably small amount of body fat unsurprisingly, the aerobics instructor is slender and athletic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sparse

less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable people of slender means simply can't afford those prices

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective slender contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of slender are slight, slim, tenuous, and thin. While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

When is slight a more appropriate choice than slender?

The words slight and slender are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

When would slim be a good substitute for slender?

The words slim and slender can be used in similar contexts, but slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry

a slim chance

In what contexts can tenuous take the place of slender?

Although the words tenuous and slender have much in common, tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

When might thin be a better fit than slender?

While the synonyms thin and slender are close in meaning, 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

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 slender On the Fourth of July, New York Harbor will fill with white canvas and slender hulls. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026 Nvidia carries top-tier credit ratings, the June notes priced at slender spreads over Treasuries, and the offering drew far more demand than the company sought. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Eschewing fences and pavement in favor of natural footpaths lined with brambles and shrubs, these slender pathways provide epic sea views while leaving the ancestral homes of other animals intact. — Literary Hub, 11 June 2026 Look west sky after sunset on June 17 to witness a slender crescent moon gleaming alongside the stars of the Beehive Cluster at the head of a dazzling planetary parade. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for slender

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slender

Adjective

The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.

— STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
Sprinkle the entire rug with a thin layer of baking soda and wait 20 minutes.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

Definition of thin

Adjective

Its designs were suited to its urban New England market — three stories high with a narrow footprint.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Sheer rock walls loom on one side, while the other, which is largely unguarded, plunges to the narrow canyon below.

— Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of narrow

Adjective

Rats are burrowing into aid parcels, forcing people to throw away scarce rice or flour supplies.

— Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Managing scarcity through digital modeling While deuterium is highly abundant and easily extracted from standard seawater, tritium is exceedingly scarce in nature.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026

Definition of scarce

Adjective

Adding non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats to pasta salad or potato salad can reduce their glycemic impact.

— Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 July 2026
Created in consultation with nutritionist and food consultant Ankita Jalori, the dishes on offer use millets, whole grains, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and low-fat dairy options, such as goat milk.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026

Definition of lean

Adjective

With ultra-slim Republican margins in the House and Senate, Congress is having a tough time doing just the basics of legislating, let alone passing controversial legislation.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 1 July 2026
For example, slim velvet hangers save room on the rod and help slippery items stay put.

— Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026

Definition of slim

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“Slender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slender. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of slender

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