Definition of effortlessnext

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 Take cue from Stewart’s effortless loungewear and browse similar oversized crewneck sweatshirts from Amazon—including a dead ringer for her cheery yellow style. Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026 Through this role reversal, the camera documents Daniel’s daily life as a motel owner in a candid, effortless, yet humorous manner, gradually unveiling his larger-than-life personality and his somewhat tumultuous relationship with his wife, Lourdes. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026 But for Weir to arrive at that point was neither effortless, nor a given. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026 With a medley of Michael Jackson hits playing, Petrosian — competing as a neutral athlete — whipped through her double axel, landed a triple lutz and capped the performance with a triple flip-triple toe loop that seemed downright effortless. Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for effortless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effortless
Adjective
  • The new method basically deletes climate change from the whole equation, which makes El Niño easier to spot.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Republicans are expected to have a much easier time retaining the Senate than the House, but a loss can’t be ruled out.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This recipe stars spaghetti and brings together four types of cheeses (including ricotta) for an extra hearty, creamy, and smooth supper.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Activate your wristband for smooth entry and unlock extra safety features, such as adding an emergency contact.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • That simple sentiment distills what being a Louisianan is about.
    Carlie Procell, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
  • No doubt history would be very different if a citizen’s duty was simple obeyance.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • What really matters is if the tech can be scaled, is energy-dense enough to complete, and can prove cheap at an industrial scale.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Although this pencil is the cheapest of the bunch, the formula lasts and lasts.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Effortless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effortless. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on effortless

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