shallow 1 of 2

shallow

2 of 2

noun

as in bank
usually shallows plural a place where a body of water (as a sea or river) is shallow we waded through the shallows looking for tadpoles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective shallow contrast with its synonyms?

The words cursory and superficial are common synonyms of shallow. While all three words mean "lacking in depth or solidity," shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character.

a light, shallow, and frivolous review

In what contexts can cursory take the place of shallow?

While in some cases nearly identical to shallow, cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details.

gave the letter only a cursory reading

When is it sensible to use superficial instead of shallow?

The synonyms superficial and shallow are sometimes interchangeable, but superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features.

a superficial analysis of the problem

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 shallow
Adjective
Some roads and low-lying property including parking lots, parks and lawns near the waterfront will experience shallow flooding. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025 Advertisement The result was that news became more entertaining but shallower and less coherent. Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
Marina was rising from the shallows. Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025 While sailing on the luxurious phinisi charter Vela, the captain dropped anchor near Padar Island (home to a fabulous 40-minute climb to the top for sensational 360-degree panoramas) and then ferried a few of us to Padar Kecil beside it, letting us off in crystalline shallows the color of topaz. Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shallow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow
Adjective
  • Strong applications are not built on superficial prestige or last-minute resume padding.
    Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • See, this is the problem with our superficial Instagram culture.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • However, the shoal lies well within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile EEZ from Luzon.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Also of note is the Landsford Canal State Park in May or June, when the riverside is covered in rocky shoals spider lilies.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The lockdown was later lifted, but the university said access to campus would remain restricted to students, faculty, and staff with a valid school ID as local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies continued to investigate the threat.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • YouTube also autoplays non-restricted content when users hover over the video while scrolling.
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The arrest marked Luchin's second brush with bank robbery charges.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The bank raised its price target to $175 from $155, signaling 11% upside from Friday’s close.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The trio, working in tandem with a blend of 30 essential oils and extracts, comes together to condition hair follicles, relieve dry scalp, smooth split ends, and enhance hair elasticity.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The smooth leather finish gives a polished look that can easily be dressed up or down.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, they were limited to single steps to tackle multi-surface flooring and not intended for use on stairs.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
  • And that the smooth surface could harbor either a thick ice crust and thin ocean, or a thin ice crust and a thick ocean, with either possibility admitting the existence of sub-surface hydrothermal vents.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Justin Verlander went bar-for-bar with the Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto as each starter turned in seven innings of one-run ball.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • There are several variations, including the front squat, goblet squat (holding a weight or kettle bell), back squat (holding a bar on the shoulders) and the split squat (stationary lunge).
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shallow. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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