Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective effortless contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of effortless are easy, facile, light, simple, and smooth. While all these words mean "not demanding effort or involving difficulty," effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness.

moving with effortless grace

Where would easy be a reasonable alternative to effortless?

While in some cases nearly identical to effortless, easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks.

an easy college course

How are the words facile and easy related as synonyms of effortless?

Facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness.

facile answers to complex questions

When can light be used instead of effortless?

Although the words light and effortless have much in common, light stresses freedom from what is burdensome.

a light teaching load

In what contexts can simple take the place of effortless?

The words simple and effortless can be used in similar contexts, 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 effortless?

The meanings of smooth and effortless largely overlap; 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 effortless It can be buttoned up to create a chic V-neck sweater, or can be draped beautifully over a tank top as an effortless layering piece. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025 Even underneath, the wide PTFE feet give the MX Master 4 a smoother, more effortless glide than its predecessor. PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2025 Automotive design had graduated from the still-carriage-like looks of its nascent days into its own form, with sweeping lines and heavy flowing sheetmetal that took full advantage of the effortless power of internal combustion. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025 Introducing Michelle as his girlfriend, Manny looked on as Leo was clearly captivated by her effortless beauty and charming smile—but Leo would never make a move on his best friend’s girl. Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effortless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effortless
Adjective
  • Old-school phishing emails were easy to spot because of typos and bad grammar.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • While allowed, breaking away from it would not be easy for Pennsylvania—or any other state which is currently served by it.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t be fooled by its smooth feel, though.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Homemade versions almost always skew watery, more like soup than a thick, smooth mash.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Strufe adds that while intelligence agencies or cybercriminals have simpler ways to monitor people – such as accessing CCTV cameras or video doorbells – the widespread presence of wireless networks could eventually form a near-comprehensive surveillance infrastructure.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The simplest way to find influential people in a network is called degree centrality—just count the number of connections for each person.
    Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As the world searches for alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, researchers are turning to materials that are safer, cheaper, and easier to source.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Financial sacrifices, dilemmas loom Norfolk military families said the shutdown had heightened the stakes of their financial choices, from comparison-shopping for the cheapest toilet paper to frequenting Costco to buy in bulk.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Effortless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effortless. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effortless

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