as in gaunt
suffering extreme weight loss as a result of hunger or disease
the stray kitten's skeletal body was pitiful to look at
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Recent Examples of skeletal
Archaeologists are working to reconstruct the jadeite death mask and perform DNA and isotope analysis on the skeletal material.
—
Kerry Breen
july 10, CBS News, 10 July 2025
During the cornerstone-laying ceremony on May 8, 1906, the skeletal structure of the building was decked with bunting and flags.
—Powered By, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
While standing in line, the aroma of baking croissants wafted, and the buzzing of espresso machines reverberated off the skeletal remains of an old church that now houses the café.
—Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
In 2023, more than three years after she was reported missing, investigators discovered Suzanne Morphew's skeletal remains in a shallow grave during an unrelated search.
—Paul Larosa, CBS News, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeletal
Kerry Breen
july 10, CBS News, 10 July 2025
During the cornerstone-laying ceremony on May 8, 1906, the skeletal structure of the building was decked with bunting and flags.
—Powered By, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
While standing in line, the aroma of baking croissants wafted, and the buzzing of espresso machines reverberated off the skeletal remains of an old church that now houses the café.
—Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
In 2023, more than three years after she was reported missing, investigators discovered Suzanne Morphew's skeletal remains in a shallow grave during an unrelated search.
—Paul Larosa, CBS News, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeletal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeletal
Adjective
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Larry Shapiro, Calgary, Alberta Hamas has no conscience Seeing the sickly, gaunt faces of the three Israeli hostages released by Hamas in Gaza on Feb. 8 presented a clear picture of the loathing and deep hostility their abductors felt for them.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2025
-
The body of Jesus hangs like a lifeless, gaunt and emaciated husk.—
Mike Lowenberg,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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When Claire first shows up, Sweeney’s haggard appearance is doubly shocking for anyone who’s seen how radiant the star looks in most roles.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
7 June 2025
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Weinstein often looked haggard and out of it — unshaven, mouth ajar, eyes bleary.—
Phoebe Eaton,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skeletal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeletal. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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