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

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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

The main structures at the front (the spa, gym, studio, and reception) are made of natural stone with bougainvillea tumbling down their sides, set between shallow pools of water, echoing the floating effect of the resort above the mangroves. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 Female sharks often use shallow, warmer waters as nursery grounds, where young sharks can feed and grow with relative protection. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 5 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

Tyson is at once scary, funny, personable, distasteful, introspective, superficial, articulate and incoherent.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Officers arrived at Harrison's room at the Great Wolf Lodge and noticed bleeding cuts on her left wrist and superficial punctures on her neck, the criminal complaint said.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 13 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

Drying towels separately prevents longer drying times caused by restricted airflow and moisture differences.

— Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026
The policy prohibited speakers from directing remarks to individual council members and restricted comments considered personal or abusive.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of restricted

Noun

The bill had sought to sanction Russian officials, banks and a shadow fleet of tankers that keeps Russian energy moving.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Last month, citing anonymous sources, Reuters reported that Solidigm was considering an initial public offering and had held pitch meetings with investment banks.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of bank

Adjective

Court challenges meant this process wasn't always smooth, but the results speak from themselves.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
If Waldron, who currently serves as Goldman president and chief operating officer, takes over as CEO, Solomon would likely remain as executive chairman for a period of time, an arrangement designed to engineer a smooth handoff.

— Hugh Son,Laya Neelakandan,Leslie Picker,Ritika Shah, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of smooth

Noun

There are seven bedrooms and six full bathrooms dispersed throughout, with additional spaces including a billiards room with a bar, a cozy reading nook, and a sun porch with wraparound windows.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Regiment One55 Bar & Lounge will open inside the restaurant as a space that draws inspiration from British cocktail bars, reimagined through an Indian lens.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of bar

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shallops

shallow

shallowly

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“Shallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shallow. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shallow

adjective

noun

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