paper-thin

adjective

pa·​per-thin ˈpā-pər-ˌthin How to pronounce paper-thin (audio)
Synonyms of paper-thinnext
: extremely thin
paper-thin partitions

Synonyms of paper-thin

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Examples of paper-thin in a Sentence

since the wall separating our cubicles is paper-thin, I get way too much information about my coworker's love life
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.
Researchers have developed a paper-thin foot membrane that lets crawling microrobots harvest electricity directly from the ground beneath them, ditching heavy onboard batteries by turning metal and silicon surfaces into an active power source. — New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026 These paper-thin Listerine strips dissolve right on your tongue, offering a fuss-free refresh after a meal, cup of coffee, or midair nap. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026 On the heels of a paper-thin primary victory, Jewish voters are not the only group El-Sayed needed to make inroads with. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 Chef Alexia Duchêne of Le Chêne in New York City, keeps things classic in her recipe, layering paper-thin slices of potatoes with plenty of butter to create a multilayered potato cake that’s crisp on the outside and tender in the center. — Alexia Duchêne, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paper-thin

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paper-thin was in 1928

Browse Nearby Words

paper table
paper-thin
paper tiger
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Cite this Entry

“Paper-thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper-thin. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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