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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 skeletal
The second area Monasterio noted concerns skeletal maturity.
—
Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The story follows Atlanta attorney Jason Fredricks, a successful but morally conflicted lawyer whose life unravels when human skeletal remains tied to his past resurface.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Danielson said Mickey had multiple skeletal, muscular and brain scans and testing done on him once arriving at the hospital before being discharged the same night.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 Sep. 2025
Scientists said the skeletal remains included bits of the creature's skull, ribs, legs and more.
—Jillian Frankel, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeletal
Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The story follows Atlanta attorney Jason Fredricks, a successful but morally conflicted lawyer whose life unravels when human skeletal remains tied to his past resurface.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Danielson said Mickey had multiple skeletal, muscular and brain scans and testing done on him once arriving at the hospital before being discharged the same night.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 Sep. 2025
Scientists said the skeletal remains included bits of the creature's skull, ribs, legs and more.
—Jillian Frankel, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeletal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeletal
Adjective
-
And in a third, the gaunt 30-year-old killer flexes, purses his lips and squints.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The apparently recent footage showed two hostages -- Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel -- looking gaunt and exhausted while being driven around Gaza City.—
WAFAA SHURAFA,
Arkansas Online,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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 14 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share