slender
24 synonyms and 6 antonyms for slender, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Thin and gracefully built.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use slender
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French esclendre ("thin, slender"), traced back to a Germanic root meaning "sliding, slippery" — the same idea behind "slide" and "slither."
Full origin of slender →Frequently asked questions
What does “slender” mean?
The word “slender” means thin and gracefully built. In plain terms, thin in a pleasing or graceful way, or (of amounts) small and barely enough.
How do you pronounce “slender”?
“Slender” is pronounced SLEHN-duh (/ˈslɛndɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “slender” in a sentence?
Here is “slender” used in a sentence: “She had a slender frame and moved with obvious grace.”
What is another word for “slender”?
Words with a similar meaning to “slender” include svelte, willowy, scarce, sparse, gaunt and gracile.
What is the opposite of “slender”?
The opposite of “slender” — its antonyms — are broad, heavy, large, obese and overweight.
What part of speech is “slender”?
“Slender” is an adjective.
Where does the word “slender” come from?
The word “slender” comes from Old French. From Old French esclendre ("thin, slender"), traced back to a Germanic root meaning "sliding, slippery" — the same idea behind "slide" and "slither.".
Is “slender” a common word?
“Slender” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between slender and skinny?
Slender describes a thin, gracefully built figure and usually carries a flattering tone, while skinny suggests excessive or unappealing thinness. For this reason, slender is often the more polite choice.
When should you use slender instead of thin?
Slender is typically chosen when describing a person's figure in an elegant or complimentary way, whereas thin is more neutral and can describe people or objects alike.
Can slender describe things other than a person's body?
Yes, slender can also describe an amount that is small or barely sufficient, as in a "slender majority" or a "slender chance."
Is slender mainly used in formal writing?
Slender is used in both everyday and formal contexts, but it is often preferred for its more polished tone compared to plainer words like thin.