as in gaunt
suffering extreme weight loss as a result of hunger or disease
the stray kitten's skeletal body was pitiful to look at
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Recent Examples of skeletal
Partially buried skeletal remains, which investigators now know to be Rea's, were found in marsh grass alongside Route 95 South in Newburyport.
—
Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Images of skeletal children have sparked fresh outrage in much of the world aimed at Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 28 July 2025
In order to make the humanoid fit into the look of the band – and possibly not to frighten youngsters given its skeletal T-800 vibe – PNDbotics dressed the robot in a loose-fitting hoodie, cap and face covering.
—Paul Ridden
july 25, New Atlas, 25 July 2025
Archaeologists are working to reconstruct the jadeite death mask and perform DNA and isotope analysis on the skeletal material.
—Kerry Breen
july 10, CBS News, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeletal
Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Images of skeletal children have sparked fresh outrage in much of the world aimed at Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 28 July 2025
In order to make the humanoid fit into the look of the band – and possibly not to frighten youngsters given its skeletal T-800 vibe – PNDbotics dressed the robot in a loose-fitting hoodie, cap and face covering.
—Paul Ridden
july 25, New Atlas, 25 July 2025
Archaeologists are working to reconstruct the jadeite death mask and perform DNA and isotope analysis on the skeletal material.
—Kerry Breen
july 10, CBS News, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeletal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeletal
Adjective
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Larry Shapiro, Calgary, Alberta Hamas has no conscience Seeing the sickly, gaunt faces of the three Israeli hostages released by Hamas in Gaza on Feb. 8 presented a clear picture of the loathing and deep hostility their abductors felt for them.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2025
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The body of Jesus hangs like a lifeless, gaunt and emaciated husk.—
Mike Lowenberg,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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When Claire first shows up, Sweeney’s haggard appearance is doubly shocking for anyone who’s seen how radiant the star looks in most roles.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
7 June 2025
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Weinstein often looked haggard and out of it — unshaven, mouth ajar, eyes bleary.—
Phoebe Eaton,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skeletal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeletal. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
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