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as in soft
tolerant and kind in the judgment of and expectations for others despite her easy approach to discipline, she had a remarkably well-behaved class

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

easy

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adverb

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an easy task
a simple task
an effortless task
a trivial task
easy reading
simple reading
quick reading
light reading
effortless reading
basic reading
an easy installation
a simple installation
an uncomplicated installation
an effortless installation
a foolproof installation
a quick installation

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective easy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of easy are effortless, facile, light, simple, and smooth. While all these words mean "not demanding effort or involving difficulty," easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks.

an easy college course

When is effortless a more appropriate choice than easy?

Although the words effortless and easy have much in common, effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness.

moving with effortless grace

How do facile and easy relate to one another?

Facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness.

facile answers to complex questions

In what contexts can light take the place of easy?

The meanings of light and easy largely overlap; however, light stresses freedom from what is burdensome.

a light teaching load

When might simple be a better fit than easy?

The synonyms simple and easy are sometimes interchangeable, but simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent.

a simple problem in arithmetic

When is it sensible to use smooth instead of easy?

In some situations, the words smooth and easy are roughly equivalent. However, smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles.

a smooth ride

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 easy
Adjective
Our Test Kitchen recipe tester mentioned the dry flour is easy to overmix when incorporating the egg—so keep that in mind when stirring. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025 That transition isn’t easy, and Lee understands there are notable differences in play at this level, particularly the speed of the game. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2025
Adverb
Guys the size of Reed, 6 feet 10 and 260, can be easy going, jolly giants, or too-gentle giants that can drive a coach crazy. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025 The platform is made so a user can find its way around and accomplish things very easy. Stockstory Team, CNBC, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • But with a change as simple as adding a bistro table and chairs, these cozy nooks become inviting oases to use regularly.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2025
  • But there's a simple—and so easy-to-remember—method that will make the packing process easy every time: the 5-4-3-2-1 method.
    Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Pros: Flower buds are not susceptible to winter damage.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Stock prices are susceptible to factors outside of the price of gold, like management decisions and broad market trends.
    Nathan Mahr, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Jimmy Kimmel is momentarily pausing his ascent up Oscars host mountain (Bob Hope still sits comfortable at the top, having hosted the ceremony 19 times), handing over the mic to first-time host Conan O'Brien.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The sleek bench can accommodate two people and has a comfortable foam seat.
    Ali Faccenda, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Color choices include dun, icy blue, gray, Pacific blue, soft rose, and white.
    Terri Williams, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • It’s constructed from a soft and flexible silicone material that feels comfortable on (unlike some of the rock-hard plastic options out there).
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 10 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • However, Jupiter will shine brightly in the moonlight, with Mars easily visible in the south.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Made from a gorgeous faux-leather material and available in 17 vibrant colors, this passport protector will easily slot into any pocket of your purse while preserving the exterior of your ID.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Pedal assist, via a cadence sensor, was smooth enough but not torque-sensor smooth; the bike’s (and rider’s) weight helps to smooth out engagement.
    William Roberson, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Lime, cilantro, chile and oregano are blended until smooth, then poured over mashed avocados.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And these are no ordinary tents—expect ensuite bathrooms with hot showers and snug arctic linens.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Sitting at 141 degrees, the snug one-person infrared sauna forced me to relax, calming my bustling mind during a busy work day.
    Morgan Tilton, The Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Only his charitable contributions were signed and dated, said Lanham, his business partner.
    Rick Jervis, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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