slender

adjective

slen·​der ˈslen-dər How to pronounce slender (audio)
Synonyms of slender
1
a
: spare in frame or flesh
especially : gracefully slight
b
: small or narrow in circumference or width in proportion to length or height
2
: limited or inadequate in amount or scope : meager
people of slender means
slenderly adverb
slenderness noun

Synonyms of slender

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thin, slender, slim, slight, tenuous mean not thick, broad, abundant, or dense.

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 implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry
a slim chance

slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

Examples of slender in a Sentence

She has a slender figure. a flower with a slender stem an animal with a long, slender snout
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.
In this tall, slender building though, there’s a feel of being tucked away in the eaves of a guesthouse on some cobblestoned European side street, especially after the long and creaky elevator ride. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026 The shoes were held in place by a delicate, slender arch strap that extended over the toes. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 30 July 2026 Natalia drew the stalk with a slender white base and the tubular green leaves that frayed on top. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 The slender American sweet gum looked unassuming, especially compared to the enormous English elm neighboring it. — Joanna Thompson, Space.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for slender

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sclendre, slendre, from Anglo-French esclendre

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of slender was in the 14th century

Rhymes for slender

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Browse Nearby Words

slendang
slender
slender aster
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Cite this Entry

“Slender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slender. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

slender

adjective
slen·​der ˈslen-dər How to pronounce slender (audio)
1
: thin entry 1 sense 1, slim
2
: limited or not enough in amount : meager
a slender income
slenderly adverb
slenderness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on slender

Nglish: Translation of slender for Spanish Speakers

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