# thinner

/ˈθɪnɝ/ (US) · /θˈɪnɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thinner
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. paint solvent

noun · CEFR B2

a liquid you add to paint or glue to make it thinner and easier to use.

For teachers: a volatile solvent used to reduce the viscosity of paints, varnishes, or adhesives for easier application.

- You need to add some paint thinner to the brush before you start cleaning it.
- The artist carefully mixed a small amount of cellulose thinner into the oil paint to achieve the desired transparency for the base layer.

Usage: Often used in the compound 'paint thinner'.

## Examples

- Add a little thinner to the paint so it flows better.
- The artist used a small amount of paint thinner to clean the oil residue from her brushes before they dried.
- Industrial-grade thinner must be handled with care in well-ventilated areas due to the high concentration of volatile organic compounds that can cause respiratory irritation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.