GAUNT Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'gaunt' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gaunt are lanky , lank , lean , rawboned , scrawny , skinny , and spare . While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering. // a prisoner's gaunt face

Q: When is 'lank' a more appropriate choice than 'gaunt'?

The words lank and gaunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lank implies tallness as well as leanness. // the lank legs of the heron

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lanky' instead of 'gaunt'?

In some situations, the words lanky and gaunt are roughly equivalent. However, lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness. // a lanky youth, all arms and legs

Q: When could 'lean' be used to replace 'gaunt'?

While in some cases nearly identical to gaunt , lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours. // a lean racehorse

Q: In what contexts can 'rawboned' take the place of 'gaunt'?

Although the words rawboned and gaunt have much in common, rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment. // a rawboned farmer

Q: How do 'scrawny' and 'skinny' relate to one another, in the sense of 'gaunt'?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality. // a scrawny chicken // skinny street urchins

Q: Where would 'spare' be a reasonable alternative to 'gaunt'?

The synonyms spare and gaunt are sometimes interchangeable, but spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise. // the gymnast's spare figure

gaunt

adjective

ˈgȯnt

Definition of gaunt next

as in haggard

suffering extreme weight loss as a result of hunger or disease a gaunt patient suffering from the side effects of treatment

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How does the adjective gaunt contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gaunt are lanky, lank, lean, rawboned, scrawny, skinny, and spare. While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering.

a prisoner's gaunt face

When is lank a more appropriate choice than gaunt?

The words lank and gaunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lank implies tallness as well as leanness.

the lank legs of the heron

When is it sensible to use lanky instead of gaunt?

In some situations, the words lanky and gaunt are roughly equivalent. However, lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness.

a lanky youth, all arms and legs

When could lean be used to replace gaunt?

While in some cases nearly identical to gaunt, lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours.

a lean racehorse

In what contexts can rawboned take the place of gaunt?

Although the words rawboned and gaunt have much in common, rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment.

a rawboned farmer

How do scrawny and skinny relate to one another, in the sense of gaunt?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality.

a scrawny chicken

skinny street urchins

Where would spare be a reasonable alternative to gaunt?

The synonyms spare and gaunt are sometimes interchangeable, but spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise.

the gymnast's spare figure

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 gaunt Some appeared gaunt, and the Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said four were taken for treatment. —

Jalal Bwaitel, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025 Last week, three male Israeli hostages who were released were frail and gaunt — appearing to be in worse condition than previous hostages Hamas released. —

Daniel Estrin, NPR, 15 Feb. 2025 Steinbrecher, a veterinary nurse and Damari's neighbor in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, appeared gaunt in a video released by Hamas earlier this year but is now reported to be in stable condition. —

Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 The three male hostages released last Saturday appeared gaunt and frail, and Israelis reacted with anger and horror at their appearance. —

Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gaunt

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“Gaunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaunt. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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Last Updated: 10 Mar 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of gaunt

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More from Merriam-Webster on gaunt

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Can you solve 4 words at once?

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