SHALLOW Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

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

The words cursory and superficial are common synonyms of shallow . While all three words mean "lacking in depth or solidity," shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character. // a light, shallow , and frivolous review

Q: In what contexts can 'cursory' take the place of 'shallow'?

While in some cases nearly identical to shallow , cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details. // gave the letter only a cursory reading

Q: When is it sensible to use 'superficial' instead of 'shallow'?

The synonyms superficial and shallow are sometimes interchangeable, but superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features. // a superficial analysis of the problem

shallow 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsha-(ˌ)lō

Definition of shallow

as in shoal

lacking significant physical depth the dog quickly dug a shallow hole that was barely deep enough to accommodate his bone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in superficial

having or showing a lack of depth of understanding or character he was a shallow person who rarely cared about anything but his earthly possessions and keeping up appearances

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shallow

2 of 2

noun

as in bank

usually shallows plural a place where a body of water (as a sea or river) is shallow we waded through the shallows looking for tadpoles

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective shallow contrast with its synonyms?

The words cursory and superficial are common synonyms of shallow. While all three words mean "lacking in depth or solidity," shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character.

a light, shallow, and frivolous review

In what contexts can cursory take the place of shallow?

While in some cases nearly identical to shallow, cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details.

gave the letter only a cursory reading

When is it sensible to use superficial instead of shallow?

The synonyms superficial and shallow are sometimes interchangeable, but superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features.

a superficial analysis of the problem

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 shallow

Adjective

How defecation changed the world The first animals on Earth were mostly simple creatures that lived in the sunlit upper layers of the ocean or on the shallowest parts of the seafloor. — ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026 Witt hit a shallow fly ball to right, but Isbel couldn’t score on the play. — Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

What links certain mathematical models of traffic flow, shallow-water waves, and quantum particle scattering? — Quanta Magazine, 25 June 2026 Instead of clear water and visible fins cutting through the shallows, the researchers were met with something far less cooperative. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shallow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow

Adjective

Without that foundation, AI initiatives risk becoming superficial overlays on legacy infrastructure not designed to support them.

— William Jones, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Commentary on his work often describes it as a critique of race or capitalism but gingerly avoids the more superficial observation that these behaviors have a resemblance to certain presentations of psychosis.

— Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of superficial

Noun

Volunteers and staff with the nonprofit foundation removed alligatorweed from the shoals manually but are working on grant proposals to remove more.

— John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
When Duterte refused, China began blocking Filipino fishermen from the shoal again.

— Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of shoal

Adjective

My grandparents have found that compression socks help relieve some of the discomfort and swelling that comes from prolonged restricted movement by stimulating circulation in your legs.

— Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026
The committee would give recommendations for the restricted funds accounts, and any action would need to be approved by the board or the congregation.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of restricted

Noun

Authorities rescued residents from high water in several areas in Indiana, including Delaware, Madison, Wayne and Henry counties as rivers burst their banks.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
The funds were used to pay down bank debt incurred during COVID-19, help pay off capital expenses to enhance its stadium, Anfield, and repurchase the Melwood training ground.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of bank

Adjective

There’s a symmetry despite all four stands having a different design, ranging from the concrete pillars of the Bramall Lane end to the much smoother lines seen along the John Street Stand.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Pips-in rubber, or inverted rubber, is smooth on the outer surface, and the pips instead touch the inside of the foam.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of smooth

Noun

Native to southeast Asia, the beetle has infested every continent bar Antarctica, according to a study published in the Journal of Pest Science in June, stowing away in wood products, live plants and packaging materials.

— Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
City Hall bars saw an increase in spending of 166%, while watering holes in the greater downtown area saw an 86% spike.

— Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of bar

Adjective

Thanks to strong multi-surface suction, this upright vacuum can go right from the living room carpet to the kitchen without missing a beat (or a crumb).

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
Its roles include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, intelligence gathering, special operations support and sea denial.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of surface

Browse Nearby Words

shallops

shallow

shallowly

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“Shallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shallow. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of shallow

adjective

noun

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