shallow 1 of 2

Definition of shallownext

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
That often consists of a divider in the main freezer compartment, a ledge for very small items, and a shallow drawer at the top. Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026 Aerial images taken Sunday showed a large, circular, shallow ditch now dug into the grass that was not evident in previous post-fight images of the grounds. Nicholas Kerr, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Noun
That the wading herons need do little more than stand and open their mouths to receive the fish jumping from the shallows? Jeff Vandermeer, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026 As the boat pulls in, the children clamber over the side, wading through the shallows past abandoned, submerged school buildings. Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shallow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow
Adjective
  • Context that lacks acknowledgment comes across as defensive, and acknowledgment that lacks context comes across superficial.
    Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • At the most superficial level, the DSA influx has associated Democrats with a series of kooky beliefs and statements.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The South China Sea tribunal in 2016 in the Hague has ruled that China cannot legally occupy the shoal.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • The assumption is that Lohar will either abandon pursuit or accidentally run the Bitchfist aground on the toothy shoals.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Researchers observed signs of fishing pressure within its already restricted range, and some localities where walking sharks were reportedly once common no longer appear to support populations.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • The first, and most obvious, is the growing sense of an emergent player empowerment era, one in which the line between restricted and unrestricted free agency continues to blur.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • According to information presented in court, Fleming committed three armed robberies of banks in Denton between November 2022 and February 2023.
    Mary Ella Hastings July 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026
  • The government is also working with private developers, banks and the real estate sector to accelerate temporary and permanent housing solutions.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Morton kosher salt and blend until mostly smooth with no whole pieces of corn left, about 4 minutes.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • Directions In a large bowl whisk together vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until slightly thickened and smooth, about 1 minute.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • SparkHouse’s cafe and bar is open to the public and sells tea, coffee (try the honey matcha latte), wine, beer cocktails and small bites.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The sumptuous design extends throughout the property, from the dining room, adorned with Murano glass chandeliers and wall sconces, to the moody bar and lounge with its fine wood paneling and custom ironwork.
    Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Seahawk missions include anti-surface warfare, combat support, humanitarian disaster relief, and combat search and rescue, according to Naval Air Systems Command.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The Barracuda class is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, land-attack operations, and special forces support.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shallow. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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