skeletal
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for skeletal, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Relating to the skeleton or bone structure of a body.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Relating to the skeleton or bone structure of a body.
“The scan revealed no skeletal damage from the fall.”
2. adj
Extremely thin, gaunt, or bony in appearance.
“After the illness he looked skeletal and drawn.”
Opposites
How to use skeletal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
skeletal structure
skeletal remains
skeletal outline
skeletal frame
Etymology
From "skeleton" plus the adjective ending "-al."
Full origin of skeletal →Frequently asked questions
What does “skeletal” mean?
The word “skeletal” means relating to the skeleton or bone structure of a body. In plain terms, relating to bones, or — by extension — stripped down to a bare, thin, or basic form.
How do you pronounce “skeletal”?
“Skeletal” is pronounced SKEHL-ih-tuhl (/ˈskɛl.ə.təl/ in IPA).
How do you use “skeletal” in a sentence?
Here is “skeletal” used in a sentence: “The scan revealed no skeletal damage from the fall.”
What part of speech is “skeletal”?
“Skeletal” is an adjective.
Is “skeletal” a common word?
“Skeletal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “skeletal” have?
“Skeletal” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the skeleton or bone structure of a body.
