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

Example 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 skin-deep However, the company’s ambitions extend far beyond skin-deep applications. WWD, 14 Feb. 2025 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 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 But while he's highly regarded as an innovative force in music, Pharrell, 51, is also well known for something more skin-deep: remaining eternally youthful. Jeremy Helligar, People.com, 12 Oct. 2024 Ultimately, Shell’s observations about the beauty industry are only skin-deep. Jourdain Searles, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skin-deep
Adjective
  • Even seemingly superficial exchanges have deeper meaning. Need a break?
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
  • What’s emanating out of her is this quiet, intense truth, coupled with this incredible, superficial vulnerability.
    William Earl, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • It's made worse by a shallow, rubbery typing feel—keystrokes are quiet but uncomfortable.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Other symptoms include severe depression; discharge from eyes or nose; rapid, shallow breathing, difficulty breathing; and sneezing or coughing.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • When values fail to align, problems surface, even in organizations committed to developing leaders through coaching.
    Mitch Mitchell, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near skin-deep

Cite this Entry

“Skin-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skin-deep. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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