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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Examples 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 Salton Sea is a large, shallow, saline lake in the Salton Basin, a desert area between the Imperial Valley and the Coachella Valley. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 That shallow sea later formed oil and gas hydrocarbon reservoirs trapped in rock formations, which eventually resulted in the North American oil exploration that brought highs and lows to the region. —

Linsey Miller, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Noun

If not for a 19-3 record against the AL Central, the Yankees would be splashing along in the shallows with the likes of the 59-61 Rays. —

Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Aug. 2024 Tadpole Migration by Shane Gross Every summer day in the lakes of Vancouver Island, hundreds of paperclip-sized western toad tadpoles (Anaxyrus boreas) wriggle their way from the relatively safe depths of the water into sunlit shallows, where algae thrives and dinner awaits. —

Liz Lindqwister, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for shallow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow

Adjective

This stands in contrast to the often superficial engagements seen on mainstream platforms.

Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Although more superficial aspects of his middle-eastern culture of 2,000 years ago contrast sharply with our western-capitalist society, other, deeper aspects of the two eras are eerily similar.

Leslie Smith Reeves Faith Matters, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024