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 next

as in shoal

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

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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

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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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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

Examples 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

The 1mm of key travel is a little shallow, but the typing experience is solid, with good feedback and easy-to-read key legends, as well as effective key backlighting. —

Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 Keep in Mind The pocket size is a little shallower than average. —

Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024

Noun

If not for a 19-3 record against the AL Central, the Yankees would be splashing along in the shallows with the likes of the 59-61 Rays. —

Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Aug. 2024 Tadpole Migration by Shane Gross Every summer day in the lakes of Vancouver Island, hundreds of paperclip-sized western toad tadpoles (Anaxyrus boreas) wriggle their way from the relatively safe depths of the water into sunlit shallows, where algae thrives and dinner awaits. —

Liz Lindqwister, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for shallow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow

Adjective

But simply moving roles under different titles is a superficial change that does more harm than good.

Forrester, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
If the first film expressed a fervent but surface-level appreciation for the outcast-character dramas of Martin Scorsese, this second one betrays not even a superficial adoration of the Hollywood musicals of old.

A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024