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

In 2016, a man was seen on video appearing to beat a pregnant Hawaiian monk seal in shallow water. —CBS News, 14 May 2026

Sandwiched between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, the Gulf is geologically young; the shallowest areas have been under water for only around 6,000 years and the body of water overall is only a result of glaciers melting at the end of the last ice age. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 14 May 2026

Noun

Additionally, Baldini notes that its shallow, spreading roots can invade lawns, septic systems, and sidewalks, posing challenges for homeowners. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 2026

Bonsai’s lone boulder and tiny trees are a photography magnet, while Secret Cove’s clear shallows make for the perfect break after a morning of exploring. —Ted Alvarez, Outside, 9 Mar. 2026