SKIN-DEEP Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

skin-deep

adjective

ˈskin-ˈdēp

Definition of skin-deep

as in superficial

lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something fortunately, the cut was only skin-deep

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 In a beauty landscape increasingly shaped by conversations around inclusivity and self-confidence, beauty technology brand Ulike is expanding the conversation beyond skin-deep results. — Footwear News, 7 May 2026 The beauty of the island is not just skin-deep. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for skin-deep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skin-deep

Adjective

It is estimated that a quarter of people diagnosed with superficial clots can also have deep vein thrombosis, so health providers order follow-up imaging.

— Ali Ataya, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
Why was Hurts, already diagnosed with superficial blood clots, then get put on the team flight back from London with the rest of the team?

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of superficial

Adjective

The shallow grave kept the corpse concealed for nearly a week as the victim’s family frantically searched for her nearby.

— Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026
The American Society of Anesthesiologists notes that uncontrolled postoperative pain can contribute to immobility and shallow breathing, which may increase the risk for complications including blood clots and pneumonia.

— Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of shallow

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skin

skin-deep

skinflint

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

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Synonyms of skin-deep

adjective

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