1
as in superficial
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something fortunately, the cut was only skin-deep

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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 There, Snow White finds new purpose and fortitude in not only her new friends but also in her journey to find her father after he is dumped by her horrible stepmother, who is only concerned with skin-deep beauty. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025 However, the company’s ambitions extend far beyond skin-deep applications. WWD, 14 Feb. 2025 Although this topical version doesn’t deliver the same intensely rejuvenating, literally skin-deep benefits as the injectable, the Rejuran Turnover Ampoule is a great, more affordable option for those who are needle-shy. Devon Abelman, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025 More central than the gross-out factor is a wry statement of disability pride, a reminder that swagger needn’t be skin-deep. Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skin-deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skin-deep
Adjective
  • So, pretty people and sunshine are a superficial symptom of something much deeper.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Mark’s bond with another trainer, Bas Rutten (played by the real-life former wrestler and broadcaster Bas Rutten), is similarly superficial.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Anybody, whether on the left or the right, who is unwilling to accept the possibility that their own views may be wrong, has no more than a shallow commitment to freedom of opinion and expression.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Because of its shallow bowl and medium-length prongs, this hair diffuser dryer is best for shorter hair lengths or fine, curly hair, effectively lifting and setting any curl pattern.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, they were limited to single steps to tackle multi-surface flooring and not intended for use on stairs.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
  • And that the smooth surface could harbor either a thick ice crust and thin ocean, or a thin ice crust and a thick ocean, with either possibility admitting the existence of sub-surface hydrothermal vents.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skin-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skin-deep. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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