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 next

as in shoal

lacking significant physical depth the dog quickly dug a shallow hole that was barely deep enough to accommodate his bone

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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

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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

Examples 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

However, the market for him appears shallow due to his wages, which are too high for nearly all clubs to afford. —

James McNicholas, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 The water just outside the channel is actually about the same depth as inside, around seven feet, with the shallow grass beds of Cutter Bank still a short distance to the east. —

David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025

Noun

Early life had been thriving in a warm greenhouse world, as creatures such as trilobites, corals, brachiopods and more evolved to fill in the coastal shallows. —

Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 July 2024 There’s something a little shallow about this show’s depiction of competing positive and negative influences, the latter of which will inevitably win out. —

Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shallow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow

Adjective

Dan echoed this sentiment, rejecting superficial solutions like additional meetings and emphasizing the need for meaningful work, fair pay, and flexibility.

Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
But if the models are doing something more superficial, then perhaps machine learning has no insights to offer linguistics.

Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 13 Jan. 2025