easy 1 of 2

Definition of easynext
1
2
3
4
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

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
The easiest way to cut into a pomegranate is to cut off the peel near the blossom end. Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026 Losing Harbaugh and landing on Stefanski or McCarthy, by comparison, might be an easier sell. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Adverb
Designed with travel in mind, this lightweight yet shockingly spacious pack provides ample space for all of your necessities, including features like a padded laptop compartment, a scratch-resistant glasses compartment, and easy-carry top handles. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2026 Robin is easy-breezy at Smith, but misses them all so much. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented (NRCGT) states family stress, low expectations, and social pressure can suppress motivation, while unchallenging schoolwork often leaves gifted learners bored and discouraged.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025
  • And then the arresting sight of a pumpkin patch, apocalyptic spheres of swamp-green or orangeade, only good for cattle fodder, too unchallenging to grow, so not as interesting to cook with.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The human brain is highly susceptible to often unproductive mind-wandering, and modern technology has only made the problem worse.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Common Pests and Diseases Like all plants, hoyas can be susceptible to pests and diseases.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The dress is also extremely comfortable, its knit fabric stretching discreetly to accentuate my silhouette.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Shop more cute, comfortable, and inexpensive AllSwifit styles, below.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Between its dig-free straps, silky-soft performance fabric, and light Spanxsmooth compression, this one-and-done outfit is a unicorn of travel-friendly pieces, offering all-day comfort in one singular silhouette that’s just as easy to style under a cardigan, zip-up, or jacket.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Shoppers agree the set feels ultra-soft.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Each attachment can connect to an extra-long, 22-foot hose that doesn’t kink, and is flexible enough to easily maneuver around obstacles and corners.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2026
  • These programs are not easily replaced, and their absence diminishes the quality of public discourse and learning opportunities for families, educators, and students.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This simple design works well once the engine is already moving very fast.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Do this simple test to find out if your soil is ready.
    Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Levine sounds almost naive about the depth of this love.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Why portray Dorothy as a doe-eyed ding-a-ling; as not just naive but dumb?
    Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The donation, considered one of the largest charitable contributions ever made public, was made to Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, which was started by Melinda in 2022.
    Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on easy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!