Definition of skin-deepnext
1
as in superficial
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something fortunately, the cut was only skin-deep

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 skin-deep If Clooney’s self-reflection feels skin-deep, Baumbach seems to undergo a thornier reckoning. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025 Watch it for its skin-deep enticement, its powerful visual devices, but also its concealed malignancy. Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025 Her frugal philosophy is more than just skin-deep. Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025 But for those seeking therapies that are more than skin-deep, the nation has also become a destination for patients from India, Pakistan, neighboring Gulf countries, and beyond who are looking to live longer, better lives. Lara Setrakian, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skin-deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skin-deep
Adjective
  • But the similarity is superficial.
    Mark Greeven, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Its engagement is merely superficial.
    Krupa Shandilya, The Conversation, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • There, the Sox scored on a weak, off-line throw from shallow left fielder José Caballero.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • The earthquake’s shallow depth also allowed it to be felt across a wide region of the country, including Caracas, where residents reported intense shaking that forced evacuations from residential buildings, offices and shopping centers.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • After Friday’s 50-minute practice session — the Cup cars’ only time on the track before Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race — drivers were united in their concerns about the multi-surface circuit’s lack of grip, tight walls and fears of a high attrition rate in Sunday’s 75-lap feature.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • Audiences Were Never in One Place The shift toward multi-surface creation isn’t just happening on the creator side.
    Stephanie Hind, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skin-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skin-deep. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on skin-deep

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