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
All of this is creating a lot of frustration for parents like me, who just want a reliable, easy way to manage their child’s screen time. — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026 The versatile design can work in a range of design styles—midcentury, Scandi, and farmhouse, for example—and reviewers appreciate the quick shipping and easy assembly. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
Adverb
There was no sign of the usual easy-going, affable nature that has been so indicative of Joe Root’s personality in his 14 years as an England cricketer. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 That makes the decision about whether to draft a quarterback next year easy. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • That single choice unleashes a harrowing chain of strange and terrifying events in the dead of night, turning a simple gesture of kindness into a real-life nightmare.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Waffles and pimento Another enduring element of Chick-fil-A is its famously simple menu.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The most susceptible areas will be Long Beach and the Avalon Harbor on Tuesday and Wednesday and then Malibu through Ventura County from Wednesday through Friday.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Mercury in your partnership house squares Mars in your 4th, creating friction between another person’s perspective and what feels comfortable or settled to you.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Hats, comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen are also advised.
    — Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In keeping with the brand’s spirit of generosity, the initial stock of Bali gin and Scotch whisky, beer, soft beverages such as jamu, and locally made artisanal snacks such as Krakakoa Chocolate is gratis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Roses and a soft orange nod to the way light catches on its facades.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • That minor viral hiccup passed easily because of Freeman’s apologies and Williams owning up to his mistake.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Intel made a big push to boost efficiency after its 14th-generation desktop chips, which were known for drawing a lot of power and easily hitting thermal limits.
    — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Billed as an immersive matchmaking experience and a new take on the dating show, the format features singletons who are tired of swiping and first dates and are ready to get hitched.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • When they were scheduled to play in Rio, they were seen as an encapsulation of a nefarious past the country was ready to move away from.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Rebecca and Verity, which stars Johnson, are also about a new, naïve lover entering the home of a bad man with a wife hidden in his house of horrors.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Their 16-year-old had gone from being a naive gamer to converting to an extreme vision of Islam in a matter of months – and began judging the world through that dark prism.
    — Jeff Winter, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Donating shares—whether involving an IPO or not—can be one of the most tax-effective ways to support charitable causes.
    — Joe Crome, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Jim Cramer also hit paydirt on this one, buying it for the charitable trust back in March.
    — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 7 Oct. 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