SHALLOW Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

shallow 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsha-(ˌ)lō

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

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

And Carillo was brutally stabbed to death, her body tossed into a shallow grave that had been dug in the backyard behind the house. —

Kevin Maurer, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2026 Stingrays typically split from shallow waters when water temperatures drop into the 50s or big surf drives them further from shore. —

Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026

Noun

Essentially desert country, its porous, sandy soil is inhospitable to all but a few types of shallow-root crops. —

Sean Patrick Cooper, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2025 The weather is warm but not sweltering, hovering in the high 70s with little rain—perfect for snorkeling among the coral reefs of Andros, kayaking through the Exumas’ turquoise shallows, or simply sinking into a hammock with a book and beer in hand. —

Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shallow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shallow

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