as in ruthless
having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings
was so thick-skinned that she was clueless about the fact that the joke had hurt her friend's feelings
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Recent Examples of thick-skinned
It is made from the thick-skinned Lambrusco di Grasparossa, whose high acid keeps the wine balanced and avoids its being cloyingly sweet from its 48 grams/liter residual sugar.
—
John Mariani, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
The formidable thick-skinned, long-furred beast occupied the mammoth steppe, a cold-dry grassland biome that existed during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).
—Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2024
Its small, thick-skinned berries make wine with strong tannins and high acidity, two components that aide in Cabernet Sauvignon’s ability to age.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024
Thousands of apple varieties—crunchy, thick-skinned Fujis, which originated in Japan in the 1930s; aromatic Galas; and rare Pink Pearls—exist in the world today, many of them bred for their distinct flavor, color and texture.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Dec. 2023
Haley has chosen instead to cast herself as a fighter who happens to be a woman, someone thick-skinned yet self-aware.
—Daniel Foster, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023
Thankfully, the lake is ideal for thick-skinned lesser flamingos who visit the spot to put on weight before finding their mates.
—Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023
The thick-skinned Russets absorb seasonings, butter, and cream better than any other potato.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2023
John Mariani, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
The formidable thick-skinned, long-furred beast occupied the mammoth steppe, a cold-dry grassland biome that existed during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).
—Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2024
Its small, thick-skinned berries make wine with strong tannins and high acidity, two components that aide in Cabernet Sauvignon’s ability to age.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024
Thousands of apple varieties—crunchy, thick-skinned Fujis, which originated in Japan in the 1930s; aromatic Galas; and rare Pink Pearls—exist in the world today, many of them bred for their distinct flavor, color and texture.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Dec. 2023
Haley has chosen instead to cast herself as a fighter who happens to be a woman, someone thick-skinned yet self-aware.
—Daniel Foster, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023
Thankfully, the lake is ideal for thick-skinned lesser flamingos who visit the spot to put on weight before finding their mates.
—Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023
The thick-skinned Russets absorb seasonings, butter, and cream better than any other potato.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thick-skinned
Adjective
-
Tracey recalls how her ruthless daughter sought revenge on her father, classmates and Laura.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
In the epic Emperor Kisra (Kingsley) has a reputation for being utterly ruthless.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
If Hollow Knight was demanding, Silksong is merciless.—
Keller Gordon,
NPR,
8 Sep. 2025
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In 1918, Bolshevik secret police forced Anastasia Romanov and her imperial family into a damp basement to face a merciless firing squad.—
Ashlee Conour,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Its stony soil and cool climate produce lower yields, but more expressive flavors, especially in chardonnay, pinot noir, and sparkling wines.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
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No expensive meter running that is racking up hefty bills and stony fees.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thick-skinned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thick-skinned. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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