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
This involved sinking steel frames into the shallow waters, then putting these steel poles under a weak direct electrical current. Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Heavy rains turned a San Luis Obispo park into a temporary lake on Tuesday, and that was enough to entice a few people to break out their water toys, including a jet skier who buzzed around the shallow waters. Joan Lynch, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
What if — without adequate support from the senior players or this shallow squad — they had been damaged by this? Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 From there, Bates ran a sail route with McLaurin running a shallow underneath him. Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 21 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
  • Shad like to gather in dense shoals in river backwaters, especially areas with warm water outflows from industrial operations, according to the DNR.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The 24-year-old is a pending restricted free agent.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Crevier will be a restricted free agent, so every minute of ice time counts.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The bank projects about 25,000 job losses caused by Elon Musk’s task force.
    Josh Fellman, Quartz, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Investment bank JPMorgan on Thursday warned that the tariffs are likely to push the U.S. and the world into a recession.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The ride: The Niro’s suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a generally smooth and comfortable ride, especially in urban environments.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Wow Dreamcoat and Pop & Lock Finishing Serum for creating a super smooth and sleek look.
    Jessica Fields, Essence, 2 Apr. 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
  • About midway through, his character, searching for a trafficked young woman, poses as a drug dealer looking to score a connection with a local kingpin holding court in the backroom of a biker bar.
    Donald Liebenson, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The judge sentenced the former G-Unit rapper to 30 days behind bars.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shallow. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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