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
Soho lofts and prewar buildings with smaller flowers in Lower Manhattan are both easier to deal with, Marvel said to CNN via email. Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 The wide-leg silhouette is universally flattering, and the smocked elastic waistband makes these easy to wear for hours on end, even on a red-eye flight. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Adverb
Still, multitasking can lead to careless errors, irritability or burnout, so take it easy. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 The memories from Reese and Nakase’s short stint with USA Basketball this past spring came easy. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • There are just a few simple ingredients brought together in minutes.
    Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026
  • Even fixtures that feel more suited to a dining room or entryway can work beautifully when paired with simple vanity lighting.
    Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Creamer of the Fresh Fruit Association said the state food and agriculture department’s lagging pest and disease prevention funding makes the state more susceptible to the kinds of incidents that happened recently.
    Lizzie Kane July 9, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
  • Infections, other immune-system stressors and, more rarely, brain injuries may also contribute in genetically susceptible individuals.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Some older employees who have benefited from a booming stock market may be retiring feeling comfortable with their 401(k)s, though that doesn’t explain why the participation rate for people ages 25 to 55 has fallen.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 9 July 2026
  • Campers can keep the interior at a comfortable sleeping temperature, use the lights and audio system, and plug into the van for operating appliances like coffeemakers and blenders.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • For decades, the Mexican government has tried building bridges, a soft-power initiative known as acercamiento — or coming together — with its rising global diaspora.
    Alfredo Corchado, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Rather than using her robust vocals, Jihyo wanted to complement Shenseea’s, opting for a softer, more soulful tone.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Adverb
  • The Sparks easily could have spiraled following Monday’s disaster in Seattle.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • But now easily accessible land is filling up, and developers are eying space farther from the highway.
    Mark Dee July 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • Combine that with increasingly hotter and drier weather due to climate change, and forests in the Sierra Nevada are left with a ton of stuff that’s ready to burst into flames.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Yaxel Lendeborg doing a little bit of everything As a player who will turn 24 before the season begins, Lendeborg was billed as a pro-ready prospect who will be able to immediately contribute to the Warriors’ rotation.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • The cyclical reality awaiting ‘naive capital’ Allianz is far from the only insurer to have prospered through recent upheavals.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 3 July 2026
  • But performing fealty to that naïve and impoverished picture of judging had become nearly de rigueur for both liberals and conservatives.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The American defense was charitable on most, if not all, of Belgium’s four goals last round.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • For almost all of these races there is a charitable angle, a way to buy a spot outside the normal lottery, application or qualification process.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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