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 As the two advanced to the quarterfinals—losing yesterday to Taylor Townsend and Kateřina Siniaková—their chemistry and effortless camaraderie both on and off the court had the entire internet rallying around them. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Sep. 2025 The colorway adds something interesting while still leaning neutral, making the shoes pretty much effortless to style. Amina Ayoud, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025 Mercy, her new novel, is equally effortless, empathetic, engrossing. Jane Ciabattari september 2, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025 Platforms like iHotelier Suite gather behavioral data, translating it into effortless personalization. Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effortless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effortless
Adjective
  • The bipartisan vote signals that the final passage will likely be easy to gain as the upper chamber looks to pass the defense bill this month.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Perhaps the easiest was an airplane flying overhead.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Pre-season was smoother compared to last year’s disruption when the women’s team had to move out of their building to make way for the men’s team.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The reversible duvet cover is made from 100 percent organic cotton and has a honeycomb texture on one side and a smooth cotton percale finish on the other.
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With just a few chairs, a handful of tables and a simple tent, the setting was intimate but filled with love and intention.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • And one of these, for those of us accustomed to British conventions but who follow the game in continental Europe, is the simple passage of time.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But that cheaper investment has largely been eviscerated, according to a cadre of sports bankers CNBC interviewed.
    Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Travelers can snag cheap flights to explore New York in September and October.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Effortless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effortless. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effortless

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