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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
This Lepunuo set is lightweight, perfect for summer travels, and is a more polished alternative to a denim shirt and T-shirt, but just as easy to throw on. Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026 But getting there was no easy feat. Kaio Cesar, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Adverb
What was looking pretty easy, with Saturday morning rain and then Sunday afternoon to evening rain, has now become a little more complex. Ron Smiley, CBS News, 8 May 2026 But the rookie would need to master the playbook, which won’t come easy. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • Securing a colorblindness consensus was morally unchallenging.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026
  • In a world where plenty of rap elders are content to roll out unchallenging albums to steadfast fanbases, still knows how to hold your head underwater.
    Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Fruit trees such as peaches, nectarines, and apricots are particularly susceptible to early frost damage.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026
  • The plaintiff, Brian Keim, alleged that Trader Joe's made some customers susceptible to identity theft because some stores printed transaction receipts that included the first six and last four digits of customers' credit or debit card numbers, according to filings.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Enter this breathable maxi dress, which is comfortable and functional enough to run errands in, while still being stylish enough for hosting brunch or packing for a beach vacation.
    Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026
  • Likely starters Nico O’Reilly or Lewis Hall are both offensive options, comfortable in the opposition’s final third.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • For her latest appearance on the red carpet, Riley Keough was drawn to something softer.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
  • For instance, as my soft secondaries and the receivers who’ll benefit most from them in fantasy football article detailed, this system grades a defensive back who allows a low yards per attempt (YPA) total but a high PPR fantasy points per game (FPPG) total as a favorable matchup.
    KC Joyner, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Adverb
  • What could have easily made for an overwrought and even tragic read, however, is presented with a surprisingly light touch.
    Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • Subsequent throws easily carried the flaming spear upwards of 60 feet away.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The useful answer may be simpler than expected once the real priority becomes obvious.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Not because older Americans are more naive.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
  • When it was first released in December 1980, it was seen as too weird for kids and too naive for adults, but it has since been reconsidered as a unique snapshot of intersecting talents — a strange, wonderful, one-of-a-kind movie.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Those charitable events, Peter Baker said, brought his business into people’s hands.
    Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • Eco effort Ocean Casino Resort is committed to investing in positive environmental change through beach cleanups, charitable contributions, and advocacy including a partnership with an organic farm addressing food insecurity, soil regeneration, and community inclusiveness in Atlantic City.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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