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Definition of easynext
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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
Compliance is not always easy to enforce. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026 In simple terms, his mother and her second husband had raised him an an upper-class Brit, hence his easy entree into London’s theater scene and his ability to cut a dashing path. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Adverb
Butlers here are called Aris Meehas, a historical Maldivian reference to someone assigned to serve royalty—thankfully, interactions are more easy-going than overly deferential. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026 The vocals breathe easy, and Skinner’s touch is light. Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • My wife goes into the kitchen and returns with beer, fruit, and a few simple dishes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The measure needs a simple majority to win.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Yuzu is also susceptible to fungal diseases, such as root rot.
    Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 7 June 2026
  • But gorillas are thought to be very susceptible to Ebola -– by some estimates 98% of gorillas who get Ebola die from the virus and it's already reduced the global gorilla population by approximately one-third.
    Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • In most other key races, incumbents maintained comfortable leads from Friday’s update, enough to avoid a rematch in November.
    Reeti Malhotra June 9, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • These shoes help young players feel comfortable on the court and improve their game.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • As the limestone’s natural acids slowly leach into the softer sandstone, the structure will erode over time.
    Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 12 June 2026
  • Take inspiration from Love Story’s Sarah Pidgeon and ask your hairdresser for soft, invisible layers, which create the illusion of a blunt cut while still adding movement and texture around the cheek, jaw, and collarbones.
    Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 12 June 2026
Adverb
  • Insider tip Costa Rica's South Pacific Coast is easily accessible via Sansa Airlines, Costa Rica's domestic carrier.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • Marlowe is not easily replaceable, especially if the Nuggets follow the trend of going younger and less experienced.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Following practice, a Panthers spokesperson clarified that the team expects McMillan to be ready for training camp in July.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
  • While the Patriots could have caved to the pressure, Cash said the group was ready to adjust.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • At a time of growing polarization, goodwill may seem outdated or naïve.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • The court’s abdication of its modern responsibility for supervising electoral democracy seems to rest on the naive belief that democracy will succeed in regulating itself.
    Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Swift has previously made several charitable donations, including $100,000 in February 2024, to the family of a woman killed at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade, and $1 million in December 2023 toward natural disaster relief after storms in Tennessee.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • That ordeal pushed Chirac toward the charitable work that reshaped her public image.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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