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
Here’s how to make the transition as easy as possible, according to experts. Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026 The parents who chose to raise their kids in New York back then chose culture over safety and an easy pace of life. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
Adverb
Pears are easy-going trees that require minimal upkeep and can flourish without extensive pruning. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026 Trade peak-season crowds for picture-perfect weather, easy-going vibes, and more favorable rates. Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • Waist circumference is one simple way to estimate visceral fat.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • From a straightforward season-long points race to giving the points leader a cushion on the leaderboard, and now the simple format of awarding the FedEx Cup to the winner of the Tour Championship, the postseason has long needed a boost.
    Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Their protection schemes might expect edge rushers, but both Van Ginkel and Turner could drift backward, making the interior more susceptible.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Therapists, being human, are susceptible to biases and errors during demanding sessions, which can occur before, during, or after client interactions.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Here's why even more are ahead To be as comfortable as possible, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray and bring a blanket, a sleeping bag, or a reclining chair to lie on.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Qiy Low-heel Knee High Boots Get the sleek look of a boot and still be comfortable enough to explore a new city with the low chunky heels of these knee-high boots.
    Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • On Friday, his only real trouble was in the fifth inning, when a soft single, a line drive and a bunt hit loaded the bases with one out.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This finding, the authors said, suggested soft tissue was still holding the skeleton in place.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • The design utilizes otherwise dead space under the access stairs and jumping platforms and transforms them into equipment rooms to hide away pumps and other accessories while keeping them easily accessible for maintenance.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
  • While ChatGPT’s release in late 2022, helped spark a flurry of competition and advances for large language models, the same idea isn’t easily applied to robots because of their complexity.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The couple was ready to back out, but the contractor promised to repair the damage at no extra cost, and an inspector said that Pinky’s bones were still good.
    Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The equally charming loveseat version, now $240 off in chocolate brown, has a matching midcentury look and is ready to fit into any cozy living room nook.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Only the most naïve of lawmakers believe there won’t be consequences to taxpayers that will lead to their constituents paying more taxes.
    Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Unauthorized sequels reveal the extremes of why people make movies in the first place, from purely cynical money grabs to pure — even naive — devotion to characters and their world.
    Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The goal is to show that philanthropy belongs to them, too — not just the historically wealthier and predominantly white charitable institutions that tend to dominate narratives about philanthropy.
    James Pollard, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Make sure estate documents and beneficiary designations reflect your wishes, including charitable giving.
    Angie O’Leary, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster