noun
Uncommon
thinner
THIH-nuh
Thinner (noun) means a liquid used to dilute paint or another substance and make it less thick. Example: “He added paint thinner to loosen up the old varnish.”
noun
1
A liquid used to dilute paint or another substance and make it less thick.
"Turpentine or mineral spirits can be used as a thinner for oil-based paints."
"He added paint thinner to loosen up the old varnish."
How to use thinner
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA liquid, like white spirit, that thins out paint or similar substances.
Common pairings
paint thinner
nail polish thinner
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Word forms
- Plural
- thinners
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He added paint _____ to loosen up the old varnish.
Etymology
Formed from thin and -er.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for thinner
See all rhymes for thinner →Frequently asked questions
What does “thinner” mean?
The word “thinner” means a liquid used to dilute paint or another substance and make it less thick. In plain terms, a liquid, like white spirit, that thins out paint or similar substances.
How do you pronounce “thinner”?
“Thinner” is pronounced THIH-nuh (/ˈθɪnɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “thinner” in a sentence?
Here is “thinner” used in a sentence: “He added paint thinner to loosen up the old varnish.”
What part of speech is “thinner”?
“Thinner” is a noun.
Is “thinner” a common word?
“Thinner” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between paint thinner and turpentine?
Paint thinner is usually a petroleum-based solvent, often mineral spirits, used to dilute oil-based paint and clean brushes, while turpentine is a natural solvent distilled from pine resin. Both can thin oil paint, but turpentine has a stronger odor and is traditionally favored in oil painting.
Can thinner be used to clean brushes as well as thin paint?
Yes, thinner is commonly used both to dilute paint to a workable consistency and to clean brushes and equipment after use. Its solvent properties break down dried or wet paint residue effectively.
Is thinner the same as solvent?
Thinner is a type of solvent specifically used to dilute paint or similar substances, whereas solvent is the broader category covering any liquid that dissolves other substances. All thinners are solvents, but not all solvents are used as thinners.
