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 Watch it for its skin-deep enticement, its powerful visual devices, but also its concealed malignancy. — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025 Grounding, purifying, and nourishing treatments go way beyond skin-deep and really leave you feeling different. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 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 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 See All Example Sentences for skin-deep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skin-deep

Adjective

Context that lacks acknowledgment comes across as defensive, and acknowledgment that lacks context comes across superficial.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
At the most superficial level, the DSA influx has associated Democrats with a series of kooky beliefs and statements.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026

Definition of superficial

Adjective

With a capacity of 45 passengers, the mésoscaphe, a submarine for shallow to mid-range depths, made more than a thousand dives that summer, ferrying 33,000 ordinary people into the lake’s depths.

— Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
Also called Eastern poplar, they’re related to willow trees, and their shallow roots can easily uproot sidewalks, driveways, foundations, and septic systems.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

Definition of shallow

Adjective

Seahawk missions include anti-surface warfare, combat support, humanitarian disaster relief, and combat search and rescue, according to Naval Air Systems Command.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 1 July 2026
The Barracuda class is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, land-attack operations, and special forces support.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026

Definition of surface

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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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of skin-deep

adjective

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