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
Probably the easiest description of psychosis is the obsolete term of insanity. Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026 The electric version of Atmos’ coffee canister is easy to use — just push a button — and can also hold spices, nuts and loose-leaf tea. Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026
Adverb
Beers made with wheat tend to be softer, smoother and very easy-drinking, and retain a distinctive flavor that’s rich, creamy and malty, almost bread-like. Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026 Pears are easy-going trees that require minimal upkeep and can flourish without extensive pruning. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • Underpinning this assessment is the fact that disagreements between the two nations have gradually expanded beyond simple tariff disputes.
    , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In simple terms, cherry juice targets the muscle inflammation caused by exercise, known as oxidative stress.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Without Micah Parsons, the Packers’ defensive front looks susceptible.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Women who went into early menopause, smoked, have low body weight or have taken (or are currently taking) a GLP-1 are more susceptible to bone loss.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • It may be overlooked, considering how comfortable Suzuki appears when carrying out Unai Emery’s ploy of his backline baiting an opponent’s press, but at Parma, he was required to kick mostly long.
    Aston Villa, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Drew Lock has clearly become more comfortable as a passer this quarter, but his 14-yard run also hurt New England by putting Seattle only three yards from the goal line.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The infected children reported a range of skin and soft tissue symptoms, including spots, pustules, blisters, and abscesses.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • That belief — that culture is simultaneously an economic force, a source of soft power and something that requires active protection — became the thesis for the gathering, the first of this scale in a century.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Taurus April 20 – May 20 A creative idea could come together more easily than expected.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
  • April 20 – May 20 A creative idea could come together more easily than expected.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But Argano, who drives Engine 10, isn't quite ready to pack it in.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
  • One such ruse, revealed by The Athletic in August 2024, involved a team of pickpockets being hired to teach his squad the importance of being ready, alert and prepared at all times.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The rookies, of which the Dolphins drafted an NFL-high 13 players, could be considered a bit naive to the intricacies of an NFL season.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • By the early sixties, the romance of the untaught or naïve artist was really catching.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • To honor that, his family has spent the past 25 years helping people like Ray did, by establishing scholarship funds and through charitable endeavors, including an annual 5K Father’s Day run in his honor.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The store’s profits will benefit charitable causes in areas such as Homer Glen, Lemont, Lockport and Orland Park and support new nonprofit organizations looking to get a start.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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