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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

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 naked Whilst Saturn is spectacular to view with the naked eye alone, a 6-inch telescope will help resolve the gas giant's iconic ring system, along with some of its larger moons. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 July 2025 About 46 novas per year explode in the Milky Way—but since many are very far away, spotting one with the naked eye in the night sky is uncommon. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025 Throughout summer 2025, Gomez has been at the forefront of this year's most minimalist nail trends—from simple purple pastels to nearly naked glass manicures—but that hasn't always been her preference. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 July 2025 The real Centre Court felt naked on Monday without those men and women marching to their official postings. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for naked
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naked
Adjective
  • The original post featuring the nude images has since been removed for violating X’s policies.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 15 July 2025
  • Bright hues are not banned for family members, but nude colors are often seen as a more practical choice for royal engagements.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • With its minimalist rectangular face and refined proportions, the Carino watch by Heaven Mayhem adds just enough polish to bare wrists peeking from oversized shirt cuffs.
    Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Riccardo’s dad, along with two lifeguards and other vacationers, began digging with their bare hands and eventually discovered Riccardo’s lifeless body in the hole that had collapsed and caved in, per the outlet.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • The simple solution is wearing regular ballet flats, whether they’re made from leather, satin, or something else.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The formal living room sports soaring ceilings lined with exposed beams, while the more casual family room is surrounded by walls of windows and topped with a skylight for even more natural light.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 July 2025
  • Yet, the bill pares back support for wind and solar projects that typically complement gas plants—potentially leaving the grid more exposed, not less.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • But also take your time in crafting the perfect order of its plain pie — simply tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil — or its white pie — with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, butter, garlic, olive oil and basil.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2025
  • Across social media, we’re told drinking plain water is passe, subpar, and incredibly basic.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Standing tickets in the Yard at the foot of the stage are a more affordable option—but just be aware that a ticket in this area means standing in an uncovered area for the entire two- to three-hour performance.
    Ellen LeCompte, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
  • Simply place the item in an uncovered dish or a container vented with holes, and set it in humid areas like the bathroom, basement, attic, or kitchen cabinets out of reach of children and pets.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • By contrast, McKim—bald, with a sandy fringe of hair and a drooping mustache—stood about five foot seven and spoke in a low, mannered tone.
    Henry Wiencek July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
  • The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, 180 pounds, bald, wearing a blue jersey, and possibly armed with a silver revolver, according to the LAPD.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Camp Randall's gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 6 p.m.
    Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025
  • What is important to pay attention to is how often a wide receiver gets open.
    Steve Bradshaw, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Naked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naked. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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