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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

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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
Lucy says early on that love is easy, but dating is difficult. Carlos Aguilar, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2025 From start to finish, the film offers no easy answers about what constitutes a breaking point for a parent caring for their child. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 June 2025
Adverb
Ghia-Soda Ghia is for those who like a little spice and everything nice, and their Le Spritz is perfect for Negroni lovers who are taking it easy. Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2025 Roast turkey, spinach salad, and rice Type O Breakfast: Eggs over easy with roasted sweet potato Lunch: Turkey burger and salad Dinner: Chicken-and-rice casserole What to Ask a Provider Before Starting People considering trying the blood type diet should talk to their provider before starting. Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • White is easy, simple, and many times, the best choice for a clean slate.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 5 June 2025
  • In addition to experiencing a surge of sensual energy with greater emphasis on life’s simple pleasures, Venus in Taurus has everything to do with feeling grounded and finding stability in both love and finances.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Insulated pots can also provide a bit of extra protection for root systems that can be susceptible to extreme temperature swings, Vater says.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
  • Most aren’t susceptible to personal appeals with no payback.
    Stephen Collinson, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Score savings on summer clothes and comfortable sneakers that are currently $17 with a flash discount.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 4 June 2025
  • Final Thoughts There is no one-size-fits-all amount that can guarantee a comfortable retirement.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • In language the rest of us can understand that means a slightly softer and more mellow click that’s quieter and less harsh than teh average mechanical keyboard.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Buy Now: $14,990 13 Pendleton Cotton-Terry Jacquard Towel Photo : Mr Porter These towels are every bit as iconic as Pendleton’s blankets—and every bit as soft, too.
    Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 13 June 2025
Adverb
  • Soto easily scored from second and Alonso’s headfirst slide barely got him in before Hunter Goodman’s tag at the plate.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025
  • Butterfly Farm and downtown Oranjestad are also easily accessible.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The switches used in the keyboard are pre-lubricated and installed alongside Poron and PET foam layers which provide smooth keystrokes and a pleasant sound.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Many companies use a Teflon die to shape the pasta, but this creates a super smooth finished product.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Designed with soft, springy foam and a snug fit, this ultra-light trainer is ideal for long walking days.
    Jennifer Vermeer, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2025
  • The unkind nickname is even more of a snug fit now.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio.
    Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 7 June 2025
  • What started as a charitable gesture from The Salvation Army in 1938 has since evolved into an annual tradition for brands and customers alike.
    Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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