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
To make decorative garden edges, dig shallow trenches around the perimeters of your garden beds or paths. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025 What matters is which firms are using AI not as a shallow trend but as the basis for their entire product. Dave Smith, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
The ship had likely been driven into the shallows by adverse conditions, which at the time included strong winds and waves of 2 to 3 meters (6.6 to 9.8 feet). Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 The ports had to invent themselves in the first place, out of muddy marshes and shallows, to become the present-day enterprises doing billions of dollars of business and compete and partner with the massive Asian container ports across the Pacific. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shallow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow
Adjective
  • The metrics that matter for survival cut through the noise: annual virgin plastic reduction percentages, microplastic leakage per product unit, and community impact assessments that resist superficial disclosure games.
    Trond Arne Undheim, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • This is less of a concern when in smaller more superficial vessels but all the same should be monitored for.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Huangyan Island is the name China uses to refer to the shoal, which has been the subject of a maritime dispute between China and the Philippines.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The 805 measures 83 feet in length with a beam just over 21 feet and a draft of between 11.2 feet on the standard keel and 8.7 feet on the shoal keel.
    Kathleen Turner, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • A lot of their lack of activity has been due to the fact that their situation with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga still has not been figured out.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
  • This year, the issue is the plight of the restricted free agent, whose originating team has the right to match any offer made to him by another team.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Kurt's key takeaways Phishing scams like this Chase bank email are getting harder to spot.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • For fintechs that need bank data, the complications are significant.
    AJ Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Approximation of the smooth, unblinking surface of polished stone or metal.
    Emily Witt, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2025
  • This year, the smooth, rounded, metallic gem is the third-largest diamond found so far, the park said.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • With modern farming, and its use of pesticides and herbicides, surface microbial communities often suffer.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 June 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • The concept of a dog bar is unique, compared to the traditional dog parks spread through Nashville.
    Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • In the great room, there is a full bar and a dining table for eight, while outside, the patio or balcony provides lounge seating and a dining area for alfresco meals.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shallow. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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