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

Earlier attempts to harvest solar energy underwater stalled out in shallow waters under two meters deep, where sunlight is still plentiful but practical applications are scarce. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2026

Passengers were helped into smaller boats that took them to shallow water, and body bags were laid out at what looked like a port. — CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Noun

At Brooks Falls, visitors watch from elevated platforms as the bruins barrel through the shallows in pursuit of silvery fish or stake out prime positions on the lip of the falls, waiting for salmon to vault from the water into their gaping maws. — Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026

Make a shallow x on the bottom of each peach and submerge in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds (the riper the peaches, the shorter the time). — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 14 July 2026