SKIN-DEEP Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

skin-deep

adjective

ˈskin-ˈdēp

Definition of skin-deep

as in superficial

lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something fortunately, the cut was only skin-deep

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in shallow

having or showing a lack of depth of understanding or character the book provides some interesting anecdotes but only offers a skin-deep analysis of the events it chronicles

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of skin-deep The beauty of the island is not just skin-deep. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026 If Clooney’s self-reflection feels skin-deep, Baumbach seems to undergo a thornier reckoning. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025 Watch it for its skin-deep enticement, its powerful visual devices, but also its concealed malignancy. — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025 Her frugal philosophy is more than just skin-deep. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skin-deep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skin-deep

Adjective

That is at best a superficial understanding of the work involved in psychiatric treatment and the substantial labor that occurs outside the appointment itself.

— Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
The privileges of Jover’s life appear entirely superficial, even a bit alien, when contrasted with her granddaughter’s narrative thread.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of superficial

Adjective

Massachusetts is equipped for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance, strike missions, special operations, and mine warfare.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Thanks to strong multi-surface suction, this upright vacuum can go right from the living room carpet to the kitchen without missing a beat (or a crumb).

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of surface

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skin

skin-deep

skinflint

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“Skin-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skin-deep. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of skin-deep

adjective

Example Sentences

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