Synonyms for

Thin

Verb / θɪn / Another word for thin — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having little flesh or fat; not thick or dense

Synonyms & similar words

loseweight slenderize slender slim reduce lean cut full fat thicken gain thickly dilute sparse flimsy slimdown tenuous thinout thick slight meltoff fragile thinly slim lean skinny skeletal bony emaciated gaunt meager scrawny underweight wiry narrow spindly angular gangly lanky rawboned

Synonyms by register

Formal

slender lean attenuated slight

Informal

skinny scrawny wiry bony

Literary

gaunt emaciated spare

Antonyms

fat thick wide broad large heavy plump

Common collocations

  • thin air
  • thin ice
  • thin person
  • thin soup
  • thin layer
  • thin profit margin
  • thin disguise

Word family

noun thinness
verb thin
adjective thin
adverb thinly

Usage note

While 'thin' can be neutral, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying unhealthiness or lack of substance. 'Slender' or 'slim' are often preferred for describing a person's physique positively.

Example sentences

  1. The cat is thin and needs to eat more.
  2. The paper is thin and tears easily.
  3. She wore a thin sweater on a cold day.
  4. The ice on the pond is very thin.
  5. He has thin hair and wears a hat outside to keep warm.

Quotes

  • "The thin line between life and death is only a heartbeat away." - Suresh Raina
  • "A thin layer of trust had formed between us, like a crease in the palm of your hand." - Suzanne Collins
  • "The line between good and evil is permeable and almost anyone can be induced to cross it when pressured by situational forces." - Philip Zimbardo

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