SHALLOW Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

shallow 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsha-(ˌ)lō

Definition of shallow

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

As Veach told the story in response to a question from The Star’s Vahe Gregorian during camp, Bieniemy thought rookie running back Emmett Johnson was lining up too shallow in the backfield. — Sam McDowell 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 Aerial footage shows multiple airboats navigating shallow, grassy floodwaters, with the water low enough for people to walk through. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 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 The lighthouse, once a prime beacon for ships transporting goods like iron ore, fishing and lumber on a coastal stretch with dangerous rocks and shallows, per Visit Escanaba and the Forest Service. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shallow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow

Adjective

Vascular experts break down the differences between superficial and deep vein thromboses, the possibly life-threatening complication of pulmonary embolism and what treatment typically looks like.

— Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
Hurts, 28, was diagnosed earlier this month with a superficial blood clot in his leg that then traveled to his lungs, developing into deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, the Eagles said Monday in a joint statement with Hurts' agent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of superficial

Noun

In one of the latest incidents, the Philippine military in July accused China's coast guard of injuring a Filipino sailor at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026
Stretching across more than 139,000 hectares, Hanifaru Bay is home to coral reefs with colorful shoals of fish, turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of shoal

Adjective

The recurring shape adds another detail for researchers examining reports of unexplained objects near restricted locations.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
The money was moved into a restricted account in Qatar intended to ensure that Iran could only spend the funds on humanitarian goods.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of restricted

Noun

The bank also said that while shares are up 67% this year, the stock still has plenty more room to run ahead of its next scheduled earnings in November.

— Michael Bloom, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
Call your bank, retirement plan administrator, mobile carrier or insurance company using its official contact information.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of bank

Adjective

Each time a shutter fires, and each time a tire squeals, involves countless pieces working together to deliver a smooth outcome.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Scientists expected the asteroid’s surface to be a smooth, sandy sphere where OSIRIS-REx could seamlessly touch down.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of smooth

Noun

The location is set to employ around 100 people and will feature a full-service dining room and bar, private dining room, carryout, delivery and catering service, a news release from Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria said.

— Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Designed by Peter Niemitz Design with an architectural assist from Spina O’Rourke + Partners, the restaurant has a more intimate dining room with banquette seating, a sushi bar and a cocktail bar.

— Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of bar

Browse Nearby Words

shallops

shallow

shallowly

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“Shallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shallow. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shallow

adjective

noun

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