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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Clearwater Beach, on the eastern end of St. David’s island, has shallow water with restrooms and a playground. —

Sandy Allen, AFAR Media, 10 Jan. 2025 The Metro Richmond Zoo shared a video of Poppy taking a splash in a shallow pool with her mom. —

Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Noun

After a half-hour of exercise to start the Fourth of July, Thompson waded into the shallows of the Hillsborough River for a bit of relief from the suffocating Florida heat. —

Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 18 July 2024 Early life had been thriving in a warm greenhouse world, as creatures such as trilobites, corals, brachiopods and more evolved to fill in the coastal shallows. —

Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for shallow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow

Adjective

The Neuralink procedure, on the other hand, occurs on the superficial, surface- area of the brain and requires a relatively small incision.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025
Technical And Operational Challenges Many organizations face integration hurdles with AI solutions due to existing investments in legacy systems and required employee training, often resulting in superficial implementation and a lack of comprehensive upskilling.

— Shivangi Khurania, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025