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

The vast Ardabil Carpet (Maqsud Kashani, 1539–40), for instance, lies flat in an even vaster gallery, whereas a Qing dynasty chaopao, or formal court robe, hangs in a small, shallow chamber. — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 People should also avoid stirring up sediment in shallow, warm water, and keep their heads above water when in hot springs. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 1 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 See All Example Sentences for shallow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow

Adjective

That is at best a superficial understanding of the work involved in psychiatric treatment and the substantial labor that occurs outside the appointment itself.

— Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
The privileges of Jover’s life appear entirely superficial, even a bit alien, when contrasted with her granddaughter’s narrative thread.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of superficial

Noun

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
The offerings of any decent oyster shucker will change according to the seasons and the tides and the shoals and the shipping lines and the harbor freight and the rush-hour traffic on the interstate.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of shoal

Adjective

And yet, the Yankees could have used more length with the club set to start two restricted starters, Carlos Rodón (Game 1) and Max Fried (Game 2), in Saturday’s doubleheader.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026
Even a single night of restricted sleep can impair a leader’s cognitive performance, particularly memory.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of restricted

Noun

Johnson had also issued an arrest warrant against him in March, ruling him in contempt of court at that time over failing to turn over the financial documents, including state and federal tax returns along with bank statements and other filings.

— Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
All major bank chains will be closed on Labor Day; however, physical ATMs will still be available at most bank locations.

— Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of bank

Adjective

Massachusetts is equipped for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance, strike missions, special operations, and mine warfare.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Thanks to strong multi-surface suction, this upright vacuum can go right from the living room carpet to the kitchen without missing a beat (or a crumb).

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of surface

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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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shallow

adjective

noun

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