Synonyms of shallow

shallow 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsha-(ˌ)lō 

1

as in shoal

lacking significant physical depth

the dog quickly dug a shallow hole that was barely deep enough to accommodate his bone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shoal
• superficial
• restricted
• smooth
• surface
• depthless
• horizontal
• limited
• finite
• flush
• measurable
• flat
• level
• measured
• skin-deep
• plane
• two-dimensional
• even
• fathomable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deep
• vast
• infinite
• profound
• endless
• unlimited
• boundless
• bottomless
• limitless
• unfathomable
• immeasurable
• navigable
• inestimable
• abyssal
• abysmal
• measureless

2

as in superficial

having or showing a lack of depth of understanding or character

he was a shallow person who rarely cared about anything but his earthly possessions and keeping up appearances

Synonyms & Similar Words

• superficial
• one-dimensional
• facile
• narrow
• limited
• cursory
• hasty
• random
• skin-deep
• sketchy
• passing
• aimless
• haphazard
• restricted
• desultory
• oversimple
• hit-or-miss

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deep
• profound
• wide
• hard
• penetrating
• broad
• general
• extensive
• complete
• comprehensive
• definitive
• exhaustive
• discerning
• inclusive
• global
• detailed
• penetrant
• critical
• far-reaching
• in-depth

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

• shoal
• bank
• ford
• bar
• sandbar
• sandbank
• towhead

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• trench
• depth
• abyss
• gulf
• deep

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

Recent Examples of shallow

Adjective

Those remains were found in a shallow grave near Sugar Loaf Mountain in November 1981, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 16 July 2026

There are shallow areas in the pool and ample space to play on the semi-private beach. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Noun

That the wading herons need do little more than stand and open their mouths to receive the fish jumping from the shallows? — Jeff Vandermeer, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026

As the boat pulls in, the children clamber over the side, wading through the shallows past abandoned, submerged school buildings. — Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 31 May 2026