shallow 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The state also experiences two types of landslides: those with glacial thinning like the one in Barry Arm and also shallow landslides caused largely by permafrost degradation. Darren Orf, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025 Seaway implies an environment where warm, shallow and nutrient-rich waters supported not only giant snakes but a host of other marine reptiles. Scott Travers, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
By sunset, kids splash in the shallows while fishermen haul in their last catch of the day. Natalie Stoclet, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 Crocodiles lounged in the shallows, their eyes glinting when headlamps were shined their way. Charlie Cordero, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shallow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow
Adjective
  • Due to its mild alkaline (acid-reducing) effect and abrasive texture, baking soda can help remove superficial stains and reduce bacteria in the mouth.
    Cristina Mutchler, Health, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Her framework moves beyond superficial advice, addressing the root causes of insecurity while offering practical tools for lasting change.
    Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • After President Emmanuel Macron of France navigated his meeting with President Trump on Monday, skirting the rockiest shoals but making little headway, Mr. Starmer, the British prime minister, will meet Mr. Trump on Thursday to plead for the United States not to abandon Ukraine.
    Mark Landler, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Nearly every major American relationship in Asia—even with Washington’s two closest treaty allies, Japan and Australia—is heading for rockier shoals.
    Evan A. Feigenbaum, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • So, at least for now, Romanov, a pending restricted free agent, figures to remain with the Sharks.
    Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Terms were not announced, but the three-year veteran made $985,000 last season as an exclusive-rights free agent with the Atlanta Falcons, who opted not to tender him a contract as a restricted free agent.
    Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In September 2024 the FDIC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that was designed to reinforce and clarify the recordkeeping requirements for bank deposits help by nonbank companies.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • In a major policy reversal, the SEC rescinded Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 — a controversial rule that required banks to treat crypto assets as liabilities on their balance sheets.
    MacKenzie Sigalos,Ari Levy, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Suit the style of the structure to your home's architecture for a smooth transition from your indoor rooms to your garden retreat.
    Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Eldridge told Fox News Digital that when a rebrand is unsuccessful, the fault can lie with the teams behind the stars who failed to adequately prepare for their smooth transition to a more mature identity that will be accepted by the public.
    Ashley Hume, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Storms are the most common cause of lightning, but lightning strikes have been observed in volcanic eruptions, surface nuclear detonations and during heavy snowstorms even.
    Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 2 Aug. 2024
  • When values fail to align, problems surface, even in organizations committed to developing leaders through coaching.
    Mitch Mitchell, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The Downtown Sacramento Partnership announced that 40 restaurants, bars and services are participating in a promotion aimed at drawing visitors before and after A’s games at Sutter Health Park.
    Marcus D. Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • While many bars on the strip focus on country or rock, Dre and Snoop are adding hip-hop to the mix as the lounge will feature a rotation of DJs and live performances centering around rap, R&B and funk.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shallow. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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