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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

2 of 2

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
Signing up is easy, and you’ll be automatically enrolled in online training. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025 Reconstituting the nation’s storm-prediction resources won’t be easy. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
Adverb
Big messages can go down easy — or even slightly disguised — in immersive entertainment. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025 Chris Ballard and company can breathe easy, because this likely was a dream scenario for the Colts — arguably, the league’s most tight end-needy team heading into the draft. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • Trevon Williams, who did not escape from the New Orleans jail, was charged with 10 counts of being a principal to simple escape, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on May 23.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • As artificial intelligence models grow increasingly sophisticated, their capabilities extend far beyond simple task execution.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Recent research shows rural SMEs, those based outside city limits, may be more susceptible to financial risk posed by climate hazards.
    Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • These mutations can make the cancer more aggressive but also potentially susceptible to a specific type of drug called a PARP inhibitor, especially if the cancer becomes resistant to hormone therapy.
    Jason P. Joseph, The Conversation, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps British director Matt Palmer and his co-writer Donald McLeary just aren’t comfortable with the very American milieu (despite a Canadian production) or genre tropes at hand.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 May 2025
  • The Soul Naturalizer Goodtimes Sandals feature a plush, cushioned sole to keep your feet comfortable and ache-free for hours, plus an elevated, feminine design that will match with any dress code or color palette.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The interior of my bZ Limited was comfortable, trimmed in appealing soft materials and roomy.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 2 June 2025
  • Their texture is soft and literally melts in your mouth.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
Adverb
  • And while seafood is the focus, the Tonka Bean Flan is easily one of the best bites on the menu.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
  • As easily two of the five most charismatic people in all of AEW, this was an even matchup.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The steering was responsive in my time in neighborhoods, shopping districts and along wide, smooth roads that curved between corporate campuses and public parks.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 2 June 2025
  • How to Use: Start with a fresh canvas—exfoliate the day before to sweep away dead skin and prep for a smooth, even glow.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 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
  • This includes reviewing charitable structures and preparing for legislative shifts.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • As with at other Chick-fil-A locations, the chain’s charitable giving policy will focus on contributions to nonprofits that work in the areas of education, homelessness and hunger.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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