Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective effortless contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of effortless are easy, facile, light, simple, and smooth. While all these words mean "not demanding effort or involving difficulty," effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness.

moving with effortless grace

Where would easy be a reasonable alternative to effortless?

While in some cases nearly identical to effortless, easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks.

an easy college course

How are the words facile and easy related as synonyms of effortless?

Facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness.

facile answers to complex questions

When can light be used instead of effortless?

Although the words light and effortless have much in common, light stresses freedom from what is burdensome.

a light teaching load

In what contexts can simple take the place of effortless?

The words simple and effortless can be used in similar contexts, 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 effortless?

The meanings of smooth and effortless largely overlap; 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 effortless This soup was designed to be effortless. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025 He became known for blending pulpy American storytelling with effortless European cool. David Sims, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025 Honesty is our approach to create effortless yet elegant solutions that transcend time and space, to design pieces that take a backseat to the wearer, allowing the individual to become the best version of who they were called to be. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2025 Also, the screen looks pleasant for shows and comics, so quick entertainment sessions feel effortless. PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effortless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effortless
Adjective
  • These are a great place to stash in-flight essentials, and Arlo Skye’s options boast plenty of pockets to keep your passport, tech, water bottle, and other travel essentials in easy reach.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Subway is bundling the taste of traditional Thanksgiving into a fast, easy-to-eat, and cost-effective option for those who don’t have the time, money, or resources to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal.
    Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The TikTok-beloved Dyson Supersonic is designed to protect hair from extreme heat damage and frizz while leaving locks extra smooth and shiny.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The hatch handles well and has a smooth ride quality.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Bruce Blair, a former Air Force launch officer and nuclear policy expert, between 1962 and the mid-1970s the most powerful digits on the globe were simple – eight zeros.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • That something as simple as a COVID vaccine might improve survival in cancer patients receiving standard immunotherapy has taken oncologists by surprise — in a good way.
    Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Chinese retailer, known for its range of cheap ultra-fast-fashion clothing and criticisms of its labor and environmental practices, is nestled on the sixth floor of a more than century-old building in Paris, a city famous for high-end fashion and a recent green push.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The other side of this has been the money in the industry’s pivot first to cheaper talk shows, which don’t innovate enough to merit much critique, and now to a second pivot to turn those interview shows into video series, which makes podcasts more friendly on TikTok and Instagram and YouTube.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Effortless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effortless. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effortless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!