Synonyms for

Bony

Verb / ˈbəʊni: / Another word for bony — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

adjective: having a lot of bones or looking thin and bony

Synonyms & similar words

haggard gaunt emaciated skeletal osseous pinched boney boneless osteal wasted cadaverous skeletal thin gaunt emaciated skinny scrawny austere lean meager lank spare bare knobby bonelike osseous cadaverous haggard wasted shriveled skeletonlike

Synonyms by register

Formal

gaunt emaciated cadaverous

Informal

skinny scrawny lanky raggedy

Literary

attenuated skeletal wiry

Antonyms

plump fat fleshy chubby well-fed stout

Common collocations

  • bony fingers
  • bony face
  • bony structure
  • bony frame
  • bony hips
  • bony knees
  • bony elbows

Word family

noun bone
adjective bony
adverb bonily

Usage note

Often used to describe a person or animal that is thin to the point of showing their bones. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being unhealthy or unattractive.

Example sentences

  1. The bony fish had a lot of bones.
  2. The old man was very bony and thin.
  3. The bony structure of the building was impressive.
  4. The bony hand reached out to grab the apple.
  5. The bony bird had a sharp beak.

Quotes

  • The bony structure of the ship was impressive.
  • The bony hand grabbed the pen and started writing.
  • The bony fish swam away quickly.

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