slim

1 of 2

adjective

ˈslim How to pronounce slim (audio)
slimmer; slimmest
Synonyms of slimnext
1
: of small diameter or thickness in proportion to the height or length : slender
2
a
: mean, worthless
b
: adroit, crafty
3
a
: inferior in quality or amount : slight
b
: scanty, small
a slim chance
slimly adverb
slimness noun

slim

2 of 2

verb

slimmed; slimming

transitive verb

: to make slender : decrease the size of

intransitive verb

: to become slender

Synonyms

Adjective

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for slim

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 slim in a Sentence

Adjective She looked slim and fit for her age. He has a slim build. I was a lot slimmer in those days. They have only a slim chance of winning. Verb She started exercising to slim her thighs. I'll skip dessert; I'm slimming.
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.
Adjective
Jeans are included in the brand’s Cyber Week Sale including the Gramercy Premium Jean available in tailored, slim taper, slim, athletic and classic fits. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Nov. 2024 The brand has since moved to slimmer cases, but these original references make a statement like no other. —Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
Remember, Apple has managed to slim the new 13-inch iPad Pro down to just 5.1mm, aside from its camera bump. —Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 20 June 2024 Key Background Lyft hasn’t yet achieved profitability, though its fourth quarter and full-year earnings show the company is managing to slim its losses. —Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slim 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Dutch, bad, inferior, from Middle Dutch slimp crooked, bad; akin to Middle High German slimp awry

First Known Use

Adjective

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1862, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of slim was in 1657

Phrases Containing slim

Dictionary Entries Near slim

Sligo

slim

slim cake

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Slim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slim. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

slim

1 of 2 adjective
ˈslim How to pronounce slim (audio)
slimmer; slimmest
1
: of small diameter or thickness in comparison with the height or length
2
a
: low in quality or quantity : slight
b
: scanty, small
has a slim chance of winning
slimly adverb
slimness noun

slim

2 of 2 verb
slimmed; slimming
: to make or become slender

More from Merriam-Webster on slim

Nglish: Translation of slim for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of slim for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about slim

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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