Synonyms of shallow

shallow 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsha-(ˌ)lō 

1

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

• shoal
• superficial
• restricted
• smooth
• surface
• depthless
• horizontal
• limited
• finite
• flush
• measurable
• flat
• level
• measured
• skin-deep
• plane
• two-dimensional
• even
• fathomable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deep
• vast
• infinite
• profound
• endless
• unlimited
• boundless
• bottomless
• limitless
• unfathomable
• immeasurable
• navigable
• inestimable
• abyssal
• abysmal
• measureless

2

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

• superficial
• one-dimensional
• facile
• narrow
• limited
• cursory
• hasty
• random
• skin-deep
• sketchy
• passing
• aimless
• haphazard
• restricted
• desultory
• oversimple
• hit-or-miss

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deep
• profound
• wide
• hard
• penetrating
• broad
• general
• extensive
• complete
• comprehensive
• definitive
• exhaustive
• discerning
• inclusive
• global
• detailed
• penetrant
• critical
• far-reaching
• in-depth

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

• shoal
• bank
• ford
• bar
• sandbar
• sandbank
• towhead

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• trench
• depth
• abyss
• gulf
• deep

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

Recent Examples of shallow

Adjective

In Malta, they were found near rocks in shallow water, and are expected to eat smaller fish and crustaceans, researchers said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

The light torpedoes are designed for shallow coastal waters, while heavy torpedoes target large ships at greater depths. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025

Noun

While sailing on the luxurious phinisi charter Vela, the captain dropped anchor near Padar Island (home to a fabulous 40-minute climb to the top for sensational 360-degree panoramas) and then ferried a few of us to Padar Kecil beside it, letting us off in crystalline shallows the color of topaz. —Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2025

Indeed, in the colder depths, baby brittle star larvae survive for long stretches of time, but in the warmer shallows, their lifespans are significantly shorter. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2025