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 Propelling a board rapidly across water only appears effortless when the person doing so has incredible upper-body strength; the quick yet seamless motions that make professional surfing look easy. Mickie Meinhardt july 16, Literary Hub, 16 July 2025 This moment was so effortless, cool, and peak Rihanna. Essence, 16 July 2025 With an artful mix of vintage and new pieces, your home is thoughtfully designed while looking completely effortless. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025 Alcaraz enters this match after an effortless three-set win (6-2, 6-3, 6-3) over Cameron Norrie, in which the 22-year-old had 13 aces. Jess Bryant, New York Times, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for effortless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effortless
Adjective
  • The scoring was lower, nearly two shots easier than the opening round.
    Doug Ferguson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025
  • Dealing With Clogs and Clots Many robot vacuums now come with tiny tools embedded inside the body of the vacuum that make routine maintenance slightly easier.
    Adrienne So, Wired News, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Thumbsticks on both Joy-Con 2s feel smoother, although there's still no use of Hall effect or tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) to eliminate drift risk.
    Matt Kamen, Wired News, 20 July 2025
  • Things were a lot smoother for Royals starter Kris Bubic.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 20 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
  • The simple solution is wearing regular ballet flats, whether they’re made from leather, satin, or something else.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • For years, the equation seemed simple: look for the cheapest fare, even if the trip was mediocre.
    Wilson Santiago Burgos, USA Today, 20 July 2025
  • Prospect Capital is now the cheapest BDC on the market, trading at just 46% of NAV.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Effortless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effortless. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effortless

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