Synonyms of skin-deep

skin-deep

adjective

ˈskin-ˈdēp 

1

as in superficial

lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something

fortunately, the cut was only skin-deep

Synonyms & Similar Words

• superficial
• surface
• shallow
• depthless
• shoal
• two-dimensional
• external

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deep
• deep-seated

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• superficial
• shallow
• facile
• one-dimensional
• cursory
• limited
• random
• passing
• sketchy
• narrow
• hasty
• oversimple
• haphazard
• aimless
• restricted
• desultory
• hit-or-miss

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deep
• profound
• penetrating
• general
• broad
• extensive
• complete
• comprehensive
• hard
• wide
• definitive
• exhaustive
• discerning
• global
• inclusive
• penetrant
• critical
• detailed
• far-reaching
• in-depth

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of skin-deep

The beauty of the island is not just skin-deep. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026

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