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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Without that foundation, AI initiatives risk becoming superficial overlays on legacy infrastructure not designed to support them.

— William Jones, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Commentary on his work often describes it as a critique of race or capitalism but gingerly avoids the more superficial observation that these behaviors have a resemblance to certain presentations of psychosis.

— Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of superficial

Adjective

In any case, somehow Collier and one or two others who caught up with him tied the bear to a tree, leaving the animal entangled in the rope and wallowing in exhaustion in the shallow water.

— Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
Step 4 Arrange tender greens (such as arugula, radicchio, and/or lettuce) in a shallow bowl.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of shallow

Adjective

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
Its roles include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, intelligence gathering, special operations support and sea denial.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of surface

Browse Nearby Words

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 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of skin-deep

adjective

Example Sentences

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