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

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

According to the civil action, E’Mari disappeared below the water surface within a crowd and drowned in shallow water. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026 Research has shown that mixing ketamine with other substances such as alcohol can be dangerous, potentially leading to problems including respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow or shallow. — Violet Jira, Washington Post, 1 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

In the 2030s, aging party leaders living in rarefied Zhongnanhai compounds may look out and see superficial stability.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
While the two people in the vehicle were attempting to exit the vehicle though the front passenger door, the 17-year-old sustained a superficial gunshot wound to his buttock.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 3 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

Matas Buzelis showed improved urgency and efficiency in putting his head down to get to the rim, scoring 10 of his 14 points inside the restricted area.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
The airline does not allow travelers with pets to sit in exit rows, bulkhead seats, or other seats with restricted underseat storage.

— Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of restricted

Noun

Within a tight radius there’s an ever-increasing collection of boutiques, full-service spas and wellness facilities, Pilates studios, cafes, bars and restaurants featuring fare from around the globe.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
The Sox’s pitching plans are a daily mystery, and worries over Grant Taylor’s right arm falling off have become nightly debates in South Side bars.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of bar

Browse Nearby Words

shallops

shallow

shallowly

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Shallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shallow. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of shallow

adjective

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes