shallow 1 of 2

shallow

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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
Worthy said the homeowner was preparing for a new tenant and discovered what appeared to be a shallow grave in the backyard. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 Scoring—cutting a shallow criss-cross pattern—allows seasonings to penetrate deeper into foods. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
To ensure Blackbeard was neutralized, Spotswood gave Robert Maynard, an officer in the Royal Navy, control of 60 men and two sloops—small sailboats that lacked cannons but could pursue Blackbeard in the narrow inlets and shallows of the coast. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2024 Perhaps unsurprisingly, the National Geographic team discovered a lot of dead coral in the shallows of the Solomon Islands, likely due to excessive heat in the ocean, said Molly Timmers, a marine ecologist and the expedition’s lead scientist. Benji Jones, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 See all Example Sentences for shallow 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow
Adjective
  • Even seemingly superficial exchanges have deeper meaning. Need a break?
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
  • What’s emanating out of her is this quiet, intense truth, coupled with this incredible, superficial vulnerability.
    William Earl, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • China has built up naval bases on artificial shoals in the Spratly Islands to bolsters its presence.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Instead, investors would be better served to leverage the power of portfolio diversification to help navigate life’s financial reefs and shoals and raise their chances for smoother sailing in 2025.
    Wes Moss, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Butler gets more than half his shots near the restricted area (178 of 275 this season), shoots a great percentage (63.5) down there and has averaged around eight free throws per game during his five-plus seasons in Miami.
    Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Keep in mind that Nikola Jovic is eligible for restricted free agency that summer.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Chopra had led the bureau since 2021 and frequently took on big banks.
    Laurel Wamsley, NPR, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Her bank account remained untouched, credit cards unused and possessions abandoned.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Instant Shine Mask for $15: Infused with biotin, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and red raspberry seed oil, this translucent, slightly viscous amber liquid purportedly seals the hair cuticle for a smooth and silky result.
    Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Despite the overall concerns of the shipping shakeup, Sea-Intelligence has argued that the transition for the alliance networks will be smoother than expected given the time the carriers have been able to prepare for the switch.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Storms are the most common cause of lightning, but lightning strikes have been observed in volcanic eruptions, surface nuclear detonations and during heavy snowstorms even.
    Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 2 Aug. 2024
  • When values fail to align, problems surface, even in organizations committed to developing leaders through coaching.
    Mitch Mitchell, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Other changes rolled out under Niccol include reimagining the vibe inside Starbucks’ locations — for example, bringing back condiment bars and offering free refills on some drinks for customers who stick around in the shop to enjoy their beverages.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025
  • West, now legally known as Ye, spent much of Thursday night into Saturday morning rambling and rampaging on X, at one point declaring his respect for both Adolf Hitler and 55-year-old Combs, the latter of whom is currently behind bars in New York City.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near shallow

Cite this Entry

“Shallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shallow. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

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