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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
Ohio State receivers making things look easy Shocker here: Jeremiah Smith is still really good at football. Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 31 July 2025 Garcia is an easy piece to move because he's blocked by a lot of talent at the big league level. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Adverb
Pairings that go down easy and offer just enough zag. Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 July 2025 During the interview, Jane said that her joy in being outdoors made her work at the camp easy. Sam Gillette, People.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • As America has become more divided politically and economically, and the rate of technological change has accelerated, there is something comforting and unchallenging about Morgan’s tales of minor indignities, something that reminds people of how much everyone has in common.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 24 July 2025
  • As a flavorless mixer, vodka filled a gap in the American spirits market, providing bartenders and home drinkers alike with an unchallenging tipple to mix with anything on hand.
    Time, Time, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Alligator Alcatraz, which sits inside Big Cypress National Preserve, is susceptible to a hurricane strike from nearly any direction.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Not to mention, antibiotics aren’t always effective at killing drug-resistant bugs, and each UTI leaves you more susceptible to future infections, creating a vicious cycle.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Inside cabins are the unsung heroes of cruise travel, offering affordable, comfortable accommodation for travelers who prefer to spend their days exploring, not lounging indoors.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Just note: Reviewers recommend ordering a size up for the most comfortable and flattering fit.
    Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The song now holds deeper meaning for her parents and little brother, Luca. Swifties around the world rallied to send Lily friendship bracelets — enough to fill seven pool noodles — along with cards, bedazzled mementos and soft cardigans.
    Bryan West, The Tennessean, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Each room of the historic guest house was transformed into a different Chanel mood—bouclé textures, blush tones, camellia accents, and soft jazz floating through the air.
    Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • The Undertaker is also training Jelly Roll to team with Randy Orton as the pair will wrestle Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul at WWE's SummerSlam. Music City, more than ever, could easily double as America's pop cultural epicenter.
    Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • But because of logistical complications, the requirement of capital investments and long-term contracts, Detroit Axle cannot easily move those operations to Michigan.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Accessories were kept simple with large black sunglasses, a black and gold chain shoulder bag, and gold bangles—save for an extra large, wide-brimmed black sun hat.
    Vogue, Vogue, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Trendy Queen Snug Crop Top Style this snug crop top with linen shorts and maxi skirts now, then wear it with wide-leg jeans and comfy leggings once the temperature drops.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The wrap’s velcro closures at the top and nape of the neck ensure a snug fit that’s meant to help snatch your face.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There are strategies to optimize your RMDs, including taking your RMD as a qualified charitable distribution, which would reduce taxable income.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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