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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skin-deep
If Clooney’s self-reflection feels skin-deep, Baumbach seems to undergo a thornier reckoning.
—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
Watch it for its skin-deep enticement, its powerful visual devices, but also its concealed malignancy.
—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
27 Oct. 2025
Her frugal philosophy is more than just skin-deep.
—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
24 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for skin-deep
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
Watch it for its skin-deep enticement, its powerful visual devices, but also its concealed malignancy.
—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
27 Oct. 2025
Her frugal philosophy is more than just skin-deep.
—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
24 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for skin-deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skin-deep
Adjective
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Context that lacks acknowledgment comes across as defensive, and acknowledgment that lacks context comes across superficial.
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At the most superficial level, the DSA influx has associated Democrats with a series of kooky beliefs and statements.
Adjective
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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.
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Also called Eastern poplar, they’re related to willow trees, and their shallow roots can easily uproot sidewalks, driveways, foundations, and septic systems.
Adjective
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Seahawk missions include anti-surface warfare, combat support, humanitarian disaster relief, and combat search and rescue, according to Naval Air Systems Command.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Skin-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skin-deep. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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