Synonyms for skeleton
- noun
- verb
Most common
Definitions
- n. 1
The system that provides support to an organism, where in vertebrates it is internal and consists of bones and cartilage, and external in some other animals.
Related words
- Word family
- skeletal skelly
- Phrases
- skeleton shrimp skeleton tobogganing skeleton sliding
Forms
- Plural
- skeletons → frames, underframes, frameworks, anatomies…
- Past participle
- skeletoned
e.g. skeletoned → sketched, outlined, drafted…
Choose the right word
In written composition an outline gives simply the main divisions, and in the case of a sermon is often called a skeleton; a somewhat fuller suggestion of illustration, treatment, and style is given in a sketch.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- frame The way you frame a question can change the answer.
- framework We need to keep Algeria within the socialist framework.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| skeleton | steady | |
| frame | rising | |
| underframe | falling | |
| framework | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 5 letters
- frame1, draft1
- 6 letters
- sketch1, ottomy
- 7 letters
- anatomy4, outline2, draught1
- 9 letters
- framework2
- 10 letters
- underframe
- 11 letters
- skellington
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (anatomy4 = 4 syllables).