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

Both of their bodies were later found in the shallow stream where people did their washing, limbs bloody, faces forgotten, except where the daughter’s forehead had been branded with a hot iron. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 May 2025

While some shoppers played it safe and opted to add small rocks along the edges, the 3-inch depth should be shallow enough for the birds to bathe safely without the threat of drowning. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025

Noun

Less than two hours later, a shark bit two teenagers wading in the shallows of nearby Seacrest Beach. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025

Factors that can contribute to debris flows Brief bursts of heavy rain can trigger debris flows, a type of potentially dangerous shallow landslide. —Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025