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Definition of facilenext

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 In a sea of facile banalities, his lyrics take us back to the golden era of Spanish language singer/songwriters, but set to contemporary arrangements that place them squarely in 2025. Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025 The pure simplicity of 2-D games like Tecmo Bowl, Pac-Man, and even the raging kitchen fires within The Sims, are relics of a more facile era in gaming. David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025 Demonizing the delta smelt was — and is — a way to make facile points to uninformed voters by suggesting that the interests of what appears to be an unimportant fish are somehow elevated above those of human residents. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025 Coppola’s emphasis on white protagonist Cesar is, in Hollywood liberal terms, facile and archaic. Armond White, National Review, 4 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for facile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facile
Adjective
  • And to folks unfamiliar with the IP system, that makes some superficial sense.
    David J. Kappos, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Whether opting for a superficial peel like a lactic or glycolic acid, a medium-depth peel such as Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), or deep treatment such as phenol, a chemical peel can address many skin concerns.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In October 2023, Jemma DeCristo tweeted on social media there’s easy access to Zionist journalists who spread propaganda and misinformation.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • HotHands Hand Warmers are a convenient and easy way to stay warm and provide a boost of heat without taking extra layers.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The iceberg sat in the shallow water of the Weddell Sea in the Southern Ocean for more than 30 years before breaking free in 2020 and into an ocean whirlpool for several months.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Back in the resort, families naturally gravitated toward its main, multi-level pool, which features ample shallow areas for tiny swimmers and rentable cabanas that serve as the perfect respite from the sun.
    Amber Kallor, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This simple taupe geometric style peel-and-stick wallpaper is affordable, easy to apply, and looks gorgeous without being too bold or loud.
    Brittney Morgan, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The simple addition of zipper detailing adds a preppy energy to the top.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The wide waistband, which stays in place without feeling constricting, has a seamless design for a smooth look.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Martha Stewart is 84 years old and has some of the most enviable, smooth, radiant, and seemingly pore-free skin.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China have designed a new sodium-sulfur battery with higher power density and discharge capacity than before, enabling a cheaper, safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Fentanyl is cheap, compact, and lethal at microscopic doses, produced through decentralized networks designed to survive disruption.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Facile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facile. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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