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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

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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 curved leg and tapered ankle create a subtle elongating effect, giving the illusion of longer legs while still feeling easy and comfortable to move in. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025 His firing is the latest sign that the easy times for US CEOs are quickly drawing to a close. Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Meanwhile, the Atlantic Corridor is making fall travel easy this year; the Farmer’s Almanac predicts no rain or snow for the Thanksgiving holiday in this area. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025 We in the audience roll with this in a way that goes down easy, though maybe a little too easy. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • These missions are susceptible to cuts when politicians look to reduce spending.
    Big Think, Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be more resistant to cold, while dogs with thin coats are more susceptible to cold, according to PetMD.
    Jenna Prestininzi, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its sleek, slim-fit design and elastic waistband make for a fit that’s professional yet comfortable, and its ankle-skimming length is ideal for showing off cute loafers, sneakers, or other fall shoes.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Advance fiber recovery processes and high-quality spinning ensure the fabric is durable, comfortable and maintains an authentic denim look.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Dress up your bedroom with a new seven-piece comforter set or sink into something super soft like the Bedsure fluffy comforter.
    Sheri Kaz, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Thousands of reviewers have highlighted how soft and cozy the pad feels.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Antoine Semenyo’s finish did come as part of a counter-attacking sequence, but the 25-year-old was able to get across Robertson too easily before converting first time from a David Brooks cross from the left flank.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Mahagonny presents a parable that could easily translate across in space and in time, but The Silver Lake, with Weill’s music and a libretto by Georg Kaiser, specifically focuses on the condition of Germany in the twilight of the Weimar Republic.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Monochromatic Raven loves to stick to a simple, serene palette by combining a variety of white tulips with different bloom times.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
  • This Madewell version channels that effortless, neutral polish Kitts described—simple, structured, and endlessly versatile.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Other campers and tents can certainly be quite snug, too.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2025
  • At Iowa, as Cignetti warned his team this week, stands are snug up against the sideline and the sound can be deafening, which is why quarterback Fernando Mendoza did not audible against the Hawkeyes.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #36‐4427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
    Kevin Stankiewicz,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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