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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

2 of 2

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
After discovering this was easier said than done, Evans started her own platform called Bored of Dating Apps, which hosts an array of events for singles to meet IRL. Emily Burns, WWD, 11 Feb. 2025 The Redditor figured that changing domestic flight plans would be much easier and less expensive than losing a venue deposit and having to re-plan a wedding. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Adverb
Tonight: Check your finances. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ★★★ Go easy and be tactful today, because your dealings with close friends, spouses and partners might be difficult. Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2025 Brooklyn has done a deep dive into what Memphis can offer them, making a trade seemingly easy between the two sides. David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for easy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • Its simple style can be dressed up with your best evening wear or paired with casual outfits to be your next wardrobe staple.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Yellow is the simplest, and purple is the most difficult.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Active ETFs, which trade in real-time, are also more susceptible to market swings unlike mutual funds which price once a day, Nicholson added.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025
  • The latest development raises concerns about whether dairy cows may be more susceptible to the bird flu, which would increase the risk of cow-to-human transmission.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • For Lindor, that growth has entailed becoming comfortable with the latitude and limitations of his job with the Mets.
    Tim Britton, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
  • And there is no room to get comfortable with St. John’s waiting next.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In some regards, the third season feels like a soft reset.
    Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Many who step away from heavy lash use find their face appears softer and more youthful without them.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • Film can more easily encompass the play’s supernatural realm without losing sight of Macbeth’s psychological journey.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Contemporary pundits applauded or bemoaned how visual culture undermined the ancien régime (itself a new term) by turning it into an easily accessible object of study and scorn.
    Marjoleine Kars, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Ducati Ducati promises fans of the previous V-twin will find this engine exhibiting similar smooth performance across the rev range, albeit with more power on tap.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2025
  • In an interview with Billboard in 2022 the legendary group reflected on becoming recognized for their smooth, sultry, R&B music.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Slingbacks are snug and secure thanks to the strap that wraps around the ankle, and this pair has an adjustable buckle for an even better fit.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • If that’s your goal, be sure to prioritize warmth by choosing insulating fabrics, double-layered styles, and a snug, air-trapping fit.
    Jessica Macdonald, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And, who knows, one of those bricks might lay the foundation for more charitable actions.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Dolly Parton has called on Indiana Governor Mike Braun to reconsider his decision to cut funding for her charitable Imagination Library initiative.
    Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near easy

Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

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