skeleton

noun

ˈske-lə-tən How to pronounce skeleton (audio)
Definition of skeletonnext
as in structure
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form Native Americans covered the skeletons of their wigwams with bark, rush mats, or hides

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 skeleton Kirkton House Accent Rug This 20-inch-by-34-inch rug features a skeleton print with some pumpkin heads. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026 The San Francisco Giants were already faced with the daunting reality of finishing this season with a skeleton crew. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026 Paleontologists had worried that the mostly complete skeleton would fall into the hands of a private collector and vanish from public view. — News Desk, Artforum, 11 Aug. 2026 Incomplete fossils are often viewed as less informative than nearly complete skeletons. — The Conversation, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skeleton
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeleton
  1. structure
  2. framework
  3. architecture
Noun
  • The article also called for detailed mobilization plans covering command structures, communications and procedures for dealing with unexpected situations.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • As the hurricane approached, shelters were opened, events were canceled and ranchers were urged to leave their cattle in pastures rather than structures that might collapse.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of structure
Noun
  • The framework for a deal was consummated in a matter of days, Iger said, although the sale agreed upon Wednesday needs to be approved by the NBA Board of Governors.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The framework includes guidelines allowing residential construction on property owned by public institutions, churches and nonprofits.
    — Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of framework
Noun
  • Artistic traditions likewise blended across Eurasia, particularly in Persian and Chinese painting and architecture.
    — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In March, a group of eight architecture and culture groups filed a separate suit to block the renovation.
    — Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of architecture

Browse Nearby Words

skeletal
skeleton
skeletons
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Cite this Entry

“Skeleton.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeleton. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on skeleton

Nglish: Translation of skeleton for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skeleton

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