1
as in superficial
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something
fortunately, the cut was only skin-deep
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skin-deep
Anyone else is likely to emerge unharmed, if a little bewildered that these good-looking but skin-deep figures merited feature treatment.
—
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Jan. 2025
More central than the gross-out factor is a wry statement of disability pride, a reminder that swagger needn’t be skin-deep.
—Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
The best Korean sunscreens are among our absolute favorite sunscreens, and the reasons are beyond skin-deep.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025
Little touches like these marry the hotel group’s Asian roots to London thoughtfully and beautifully, but beauty here is more than just skin-deep.
—Laura Ratliff, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for skin-deep
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Jan. 2025
More central than the gross-out factor is a wry statement of disability pride, a reminder that swagger needn’t be skin-deep.
—Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
The best Korean sunscreens are among our absolute favorite sunscreens, and the reasons are beyond skin-deep.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025
Little touches like these marry the hotel group’s Asian roots to London thoughtfully and beautifully, but beauty here is more than just skin-deep.
—Laura Ratliff, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for skin-deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skin-deep
Adjective
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Due to its mild alkaline (acid-reducing) effect and abrasive texture, baking soda can help remove superficial stains and reduce bacteria in the mouth.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Health,
27 Mar. 2025
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Her framework moves beyond superficial advice, addressing the root causes of insecurity while offering practical tools for lasting change.—
Angela Lei,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But unless Miami can pick the right player from a very shallow pool of remaining veteran free agents, two of the roster’s biggest holes (starting defensive lineman, starting guard, starting cornerback) will need to be filled on the second day of the draft.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
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What made this one especially deadly was its strength, location near populated areas and shallow depth of just about six miles, writes Science News’ Carolyn Gramling.—
Margherita Bassi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Storms are the most common cause of lightning, but lightning strikes have been observed in volcanic eruptions, surface nuclear detonations and during heavy snowstorms even.—
Joyce Orlando,
The Tennessean,
2 Aug. 2024
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When values fail to align, problems surface, even in organizations committed to developing leaders through coaching.—
Mitch Mitchell,
Forbes,
9 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Skin-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skin-deep. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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