skin-deep

adjective

ˈskin-ˈdēp How to pronounce skin-deep (audio)
Synonyms of skin-deepnext
1
: as deep as the skin
2
: not thorough or lasting in impression : superficial

Synonyms of skin-deep

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Examples of skin-deep in a Sentence

fortunately, the cut was only skin-deep the book provides some interesting anecdotes but only offers a skin-deep analysis of the events it chronicles
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The beauty of the island is not just skin-deep. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026 Moreover, eczema can go beyond being a skin-deep problem. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Her frugal philosophy is more than just skin-deep. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025 If Clooney’s self-reflection feels skin-deep, Baumbach seems to undergo a thornier reckoning. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skin-deep

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skin-deep was circa 1613

Rhymes for skin-deep

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Browse Nearby Words

skinch
skin-deep
skin-dive
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Cite this Entry

“Skin-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skin-deep. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

skin-deep

adjective
ˈskin-ˈdēp
1
: as deep as the skin
2
: not thorough or lasting in impression : superficial

More from Merriam-Webster on skin-deep

Nglish: Translation of skin-deep for Spanish Speakers

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