1
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
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
Although this topical version doesn’t deliver the same intensely rejuvenating, literally skin-deep benefits as the injectable, the Rejuran Turnover Ampoule is a great, more affordable option for those who are needle-shy.
—
Devon Abelman, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for skin-deep
Devon Abelman, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for skin-deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skin-deep
Adjective
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These outcomes reflect the program’s focus on authentic skill development rather than superficial exposure.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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But the dustup over the building renovation is just a superficial sign of the underlying tension between the administration and the central bank.—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Arrange lettuce wedges, rounded side down, on rimmed plates or shallow bowls.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
7 July 2025
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Much of the waterway is too shallow for vessels with the deep draft required for hauling heavy loads.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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With modern farming, and its use of pesticides and herbicides, surface microbial communities often suffer.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 June 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Skin-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skin-deep. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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