easy 1 of 2

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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

2 of 2

adverb

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an easy task
a simple task
an effortless task
a trivial task
easy reading
simple reading
quick reading
light reading
effortless reading
basic reading
an easy installation
a simple installation
an uncomplicated installation
an effortless installation
a foolproof installation
a quick installation

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
Ohio State receivers making things look easy Shocker here: Jeremiah Smith is still really good at football. Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 31 July 2025 Garcia is an easy piece to move because he's blocked by a lot of talent at the big league level. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Adverb
Pairings that go down easy and offer just enough zag. Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 July 2025 During the interview, Jane said that her joy in being outdoors made her work at the camp easy. Sam Gillette, People.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • As America has become more divided politically and economically, and the rate of technological change has accelerated, there is something comforting and unchallenging about Morgan’s tales of minor indignities, something that reminds people of how much everyone has in common.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 24 July 2025
  • As a flavorless mixer, vodka filled a gap in the American spirits market, providing bartenders and home drinkers alike with an unchallenging tipple to mix with anything on hand.
    Time, Time, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • People with diabetes have trouble regulating blood sugar and may be more susceptible to orange juice raising blood sugar, which is why they are often counseled to avoid orange juice.11 However, studies on this subject are contradictory.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
  • Microgravity, radiation, confinement and a change in sleep-wake cycles and can exert pressure on cells, driving lower immune systems and making astronauts more susceptible to being sick during or after missions.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • The English bridle leather handles felt secure and comfortable, even when the bag was full.
    Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
  • Understanding what stands in the way of event attendance is key to addressing those issues to a level that attendees can feel comfortable and confident in attending your event.
    Shawn Pierce, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Paint your walls in a softer, creamier yellow, for example.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2025
  • On the data side, expect the major economic reports to face a greater level of scrutiny following Friday’s soft jobs report and ugly downward revisions.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • But because of logistical complications, the requirement of capital investments and long-term contracts, Detroit Axle cannot easily move those operations to Michigan.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
  • Things happen, our heroes react, a potentially world-ending crisis is easily averted and everything is wrapped up in time for dinner.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Part of Trump’s electoral successes have been cemented on his ability to deliver very simple political promises.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The material feels snug but is still really flexible and lets a lot of air through, which is great for hot weather.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2025
  • The company wraps its soaps in creamy paper adorned with Art Nouveau designs, then tucks each one into an equally ornate, snug little box.
    Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are strategies to optimize your RMDs, including taking your RMD as a qualified charitable distribution, which would reduce taxable income.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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