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
More than half a billion years ago, strange worms and mollusks teemed in the shallow waters that covered where the Grand Canyon is today. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 July 2025 This aperture allows for incredible low-light shooting but also creates an exceptionally shallow depth of field for perfect subject isolation and beautiful bokeh. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
Scaly fish swam through the prehistoric channels as early frogs kicked through the shallows. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 July 2025 Peony roots do need to be kept moist so make sure to utilize several inches of mulch to cover their shallow rhizomes. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shallow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow
Adjective
  • The damage looked superficial, while the rider himself was laid-back.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • Unfortunately, many of these individuals are disillusioned with the traditional path and are enticed by the allure of fast money, luxurious lifestyles, and superficial beauty without any effort or hard work.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • China seized effective control over the waters around the shoal in 2012, following a standoff after Philippine forces attempted to arrest Chinese fishermen.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
  • Treasure Island brims with rich history, from its creation from the Bay shoals in 1937 to its dazzling Expo, its wartime past and more.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Smith remains a restricted free agent, which allows the Heat to match outside offers in free agency to retain him.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025
  • The restricted redemption of Money Market Funds by BNP Paribas (my previous employer) in 2007 foreshadowed the 2008 financial crisis.
    Vipin Bharathan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The bank itself has announced plans to build a tokenization platform on zkSync, a fast, cost-efficient Ethereum layer two designed to help asset managers issue and manage tokenized funds, stablecoins, and other real-world assets while meeting regulatory and data protection requirements.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Other congressional Democrats on the 2028 list who can legally transfer their funds to a presidential campaign include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., 35, who had a record-breaking first quarter haul this year and had about $9.8 million in the bank.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Both Beavis and Butt-Head and Futurama, two series that premiered in the late ’90s and have earned multiple resurrections, made smooth transitions to a new era and television and will be premiering new seasons in September.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Skylar Diggins, known for hitting the tunnel in something sharp, diagonal, and pointed, switches it up this time, opting for something smooth, slouched, and low-hanging.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 1 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
  • Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, is opening a new tavern, the first dedicated bar and lounge in the park's 54-year history.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
  • Fans across South Florida — and the country— flocked to local bars and restaurants that hosted watch parties during the season.
    Amanda Rosa July 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shallow. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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