NAKED Synonyms: 129 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

naked

adjective

ˈnā-kəd

Definition of naked next

as in nude

lacking or shed of clothing had recurrent nightmares about being naked in public

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bare

lacking a usual or natural covering the winter trees now look so naked without their colorful fall foliage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in simple

free from all additions or embellishment a naked room waiting for an interior decorator's inspired touch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Read Next North Carolina A ‘planet parade’ will be visible with the naked eye in NC this winter. —

Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025 Most of the planets will be visible with the naked eye, except for Neptune and Uranus, which require binoculars or a telescope to get a better view. —

Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025 Observing the comet with the naked eye in the southern hemisphere might be possible, but binoculars or a telescope might be needed. —

Marta Musso, WIRED, 11 Jan. 2025 But more general data, not to mention the evidence from the naked eye, suggests there is room for improvement in Strand Larsen’s all-round game. —

Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for naked

Recent Examples of Synonyms for naked

Adjective

Skittles, Red Wine, and an Xbox Controller One area where the Mosses did choose to match was in the beauty department: both women sported a nude manicure and a red pedicure.

— Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025
As for her makeup, Macron favored a smoky eye, bold brows and a nude lip.

— Julia Teti, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025