Definition of craniumnext
as in skull
the case of bone that encloses the brain and supports the jaws of vertebrates the cranium of a Neanderthal is striking for its brow ridges

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 cranium Scratches inside her cranium point to the removal of her brain, while long bones like the humeri, femur, and ulna were carved down to sharp points. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 June 2026 Sometimes that’s because a stray thought so often crashes the party that is the presidential cranium, kicks over the keg and makes for the nearest exit. Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026 These three inevitabilities rattled and ricocheted around my cranium every Tuesday morning for the better part of two years. David Oliver, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 The other two craniums were found in 1990. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cranium
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cranium
skull
Noun
  • Anna Johnson’s 2015 Betulina Brooch, meanwhile, combines an egret skull with rainbow moonstones, raw diamonds, mica, shelf mushrooms, and silver.
    Livia Caligor, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In California in 2024, when Dalilah was 5 years old, she was hit by an 18-wheel tractor-trailer and suffered several critical injuries, including a broken femur and skull fractures.
    Nicole Russell, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cranium.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cranium. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cranium

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster