What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thinner
Example
Add a few drops of thinner to the paint to make it easier to apply. [thinner: noun]
Example
She has a thinner figure than her sister. [thinner: adjective]
Example
The juice needs a bit of water as a thinner to make it less sweet. [thinner: noun]
reducer
Example
The reducer will help to lower the concentration of the acid. [reducer: noun]
Example
The car's speed reducer helped to slow it down on the steep hill. [reducer: noun]
Example
This product is a fat reducer that helps to decrease body weight. [reducer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thinner is more commonly used than reducer in everyday language, especially in the context of paint and coatings. Reducer is more specialized and technical, and is used in specific fields such as chemistry and engineering.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thinner and reducer?
Reducer is generally more formal than thinner, as it is often used in technical or scientific contexts. Thinner can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.
