1
as in superficial
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something
fortunately, the cut was only skin-deep
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shallow
having or showing a lack of depth of understanding or character
the book provides some interesting anecdotes but only offers a skin-deep analysis of the events it chronicles
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skin-deep
There, Snow White finds new purpose and fortitude in not only her new friends but also in her journey to find her father after he is dumped by her horrible stepmother, who is only concerned with skin-deep beauty.
—
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025
However, the company’s ambitions extend far beyond skin-deep applications.
—WWD, 14 Feb. 2025
Although this topical version doesn’t deliver the same intensely rejuvenating, literally skin-deep benefits as the injectable, the Rejuran Turnover Ampoule is a great, more affordable option for those who are needle-shy.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
More central than the gross-out factor is a wry statement of disability pride, a reminder that swagger needn’t be skin-deep.
—Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skin-deep
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025
However, the company’s ambitions extend far beyond skin-deep applications.
—WWD, 14 Feb. 2025
Although this topical version doesn’t deliver the same intensely rejuvenating, literally skin-deep benefits as the injectable, the Rejuran Turnover Ampoule is a great, more affordable option for those who are needle-shy.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
More central than the gross-out factor is a wry statement of disability pride, a reminder that swagger needn’t be skin-deep.
—Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skin-deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skin-deep
Adjective
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Weirdly brassy dye job aside, Clarke is impressively natural as Alex’s easy smiles and superficial charm give way to flop sweat and nervous tics.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Oct. 2025
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Whereas Black Ops 6 relished in the texture of its period setting, giving players maps ranging from a warlord’s villa filled with luxury cars or dilapidated bus depots overgrown with foliage, BLOPS 7 has a superficial glossiness to each of its levels.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Except Arj does not think the good life is shallow at all.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
17 Oct. 2025
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The discoveries span worms, mollusks, and crustaceans collected from habitats ranging from shallow waters to the ocean’s deepest trenches.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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During the 10-week war, Prince Andrew flew several missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue and casualty evacuation.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
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The war game, focused on anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine and flight operations, has been conducted on a biennial basis since 2004.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skin-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skin-deep. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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