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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective naked differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of naked are bald, bare, barren, and nude. While all these words mean "deprived of naturally or conventionally appropriate covering," naked suggests absence of protective or ornamental covering but may imply a state of nature, of destitution, or of defenselessness.

poor half-naked children

When would bald be a good substitute for naked?

In some situations, the words bald and naked are roughly equivalent. However, bald implies actual or seeming absence of natural covering and may suggest a conspicuous bareness.

a bald mountain peak

When could bare be used to replace naked?

The meanings of bare and naked largely overlap; however, bare implies the removal of what is additional, superfluous, ornamental, or dispensable.

an apartment with bare walls

When can barren be used instead of naked?

While in some cases nearly identical to naked, barren often suggests aridity or impoverishment or sterility.

barren plains

When might nude be a better fit than naked?

The words nude and naked are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nude applies especially to the unclothed human figure.

a nude model posing for art students

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 naked The lifeless body of Marcus Freiberger was found March 19, floating naked in a south Phoenix rock quarry, after his family said he was reported missing in February. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 1 July 2025 Whenever the lovers escape the family’s attention, the lighting designer Isabella Byrd throws deep shadows over their sometimes naked forms, turning their bodies into lubricious, moving Caravaggios. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 26 June 2025 Uranus, Neptune and Saturn will also be in the sky, though the former two are impossible to see with the naked eye and the latter difficult. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 Most of them are still scary quick, skinny and now naked. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for naked
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naked
Adjective
  • One of the images from the artwork reportedly includes a nude shot of Lorde, with the photo showing the crotch of an individual wearing see-through pants.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 July 2025
  • Find more tweed dresses, nude heels, and top-handle bags inspired by the star below.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • One sleeve covers your arm, while the other arm is bare, giving you the chance to show off your shoulders and stay cool, just a tiny bit out of your comfort zone.
    Katrina Cossey, Parents, 8 July 2025
  • This comes after Williams put handcuffs around her son's wrists and ankles while punishing him for refusing to pick up dog waste in the yard with his bare hands, according to a copy of the mother's indictment.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The duo’s aim is simple: to help foster the next wave of podcasting talent, beyond the public figures and influencers who tend to dominate headlines.
    Essence, Essence, 11 July 2025
  • Chris wore a simple navy blue polo shirt and khaki shorts combo, while Alexa showed off her growing bump in a white and blue floral dress — along with an Olympic logo necklace to complete her maternity style.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Even with the help of the train, rescuers hiked a mile along an exposed ridgeline above 5,000 feet, encountering high winds and freezing temperatures, to reach Wilson.
    Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 24 June 2025
  • Iran would likely retaliate against U.S. troops stationed at exposed and vulnerable bases in Iraq and Syria.
    Reid Smith, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • There are over 20 flavors (watermelon’s a winner) to beat plain water for energy.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • Avocado and Lime For a creamier dressing, an avocado-lime blend can turn a plain salad into a savory and filling meal.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • While synthetic wicker furniture is built to take the elements, wicker pieces woven from natural materials are porous and are not meant to be left out in uncovered areas.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
  • In return, taxpayers received a 90% conviction rate, over 2,600 investigations initiated, more than $1.2 billion in asset seizures, $1.7 billion in restitution, and $9 billion in uncovered fraud.
    Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the first photo of his post, Choppa sits stoically in a barber chair, his freshly bald head gleaming under the lights.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 July 2025
  • Prior to the arrival of police, a stocky bald man and a thin woman wearing her hair in a ponytail — both described as possibly homeless — were seen leaving the area in separate directions, police Lt. Lou Maggi said.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • That's because right now, companies have an economic incentive to keep wells open as long as possible, even if they aren't being used.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 7 July 2025
  • Kids who followed in their families’ footsteps had an opportunity to learn open outcry trading and forge their own careers had opportunities when college may not have been an option.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Naked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naked. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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