Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective facile contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of facile are easy, effortless, light, simple, and smooth. While all these words mean "not demanding effort or involving difficulty," facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness.

facile answers to complex questions

When might easy be a better fit than facile?

The words easy and facile can be used in similar contexts, but easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks.

an easy college course

When is it sensible to use effortless instead of facile?

While the synonyms effortless and facile are close in meaning, effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness.

moving with effortless grace

When is light a more appropriate choice than facile?

The synonyms light and facile are sometimes interchangeable, but light stresses freedom from what is burdensome.

a light teaching load

Where would simple be a reasonable alternative to facile?

The meanings of simple and facile largely overlap; however, simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent.

a simple problem in arithmetic

When would smooth be a good substitute for facile?

In some situations, the words smooth and facile are roughly equivalent. However, smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles.

a smooth ride

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 facile That approach will get us a lot further than facile comparisons to our closest relatives. Agustín Fuentes, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2018 In a period when figurative painting with distinct social narratives has been dominant, while facile abstract painting abounds, a fine survey of Morris’ savvy, often unexpected abstractions is especially disarming. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2022 But those additions are also facile targets, and still don't come close to explaining the increase in the sticker price for college, Akers said. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2022 Bercot’s facile visual style is not as sensual or tactile as Chéreau’s, who endowed the brothers played by Bruno Todeschini and Éric Caravaca with an unforgettably physical, sculptural presence. Armond White, National Review, 2 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for facile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facile
Adjective
  • There are a couple of superficial parallels to the present day.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025
  • But her natural effervescence is largely wasted by an execution that’s so painfully superficial the show feels like a parody of itself.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This is easy to achieve with smart lighting, smart bulbs, and even some smart alarm clocks—such as the Hatch Restore 3 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which is a sound machine and a sunrise alarm all rolled into one.
    Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2025
  • That transition isn’t easy, and Lee understands there are notable differences in play at this level, particularly the speed of the game.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Alcantara’s body was found Thursday stuffed in a suitcase in a shallow creek in a Yonkers park off the Saw Mill Parkway, four days after she had been reported missing.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2025
  • This could lead to flash flooding, shallow debris flows over vulnerable burn scars, isolated rockslides, and hazardous travel conditions due slick roads.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This fund is the simplest way to play the inevitable rise in lithium prices.
    Brett Owens, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Prioritizing fitness amid a busy travel schedule, the former Radio City Rockette and The Talk host says her outlook is simple.
    Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Leaving a great glow behind, skin instantly feels softer and smoother.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The initial application is beautiful and smooth, no bad smell or taste.
    Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • More upside than any of the legacy guys, cheaper, and far less drama than most of them.
    Mike DeFabo, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • James said Costco is more interested in providing a good value to its customers than a cheap price.
    Nicolas Vega, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Facile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facile. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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