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as in soft
tolerant and kind in the judgment of and expectations for others despite her easy approach to discipline, she had a remarkably well-behaved class

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

easy

2 of 2

adverb

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an easy task
a simple task
an effortless task
a trivial task
easy reading
simple reading
quick reading
light reading
effortless reading
basic reading
an easy installation
a simple installation
an uncomplicated installation
an effortless installation
a foolproof installation
a quick installation

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective easy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of easy are effortless, facile, light, simple, and smooth. While all these words mean "not demanding effort or involving difficulty," easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks.

an easy college course

When is effortless a more appropriate choice than easy?

Although the words effortless and easy have much in common, effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness.

moving with effortless grace

How do facile and easy relate to one another?

Facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness.

facile answers to complex questions

In what contexts can light take the place of easy?

The meanings of light and easy largely overlap; however, light stresses freedom from what is burdensome.

a light teaching load

When might simple be a better fit than easy?

The synonyms simple and easy are sometimes interchangeable, but simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent.

a simple problem in arithmetic

When is it sensible to use smooth instead of easy?

In some situations, the words smooth and easy 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 easy
Adjective
It is powered by zinc oxide, offers SPF 30 protection, and is easy to apply with the applicator brush. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2025 These organic soft-baked energy snack bars are packed with nutrients and easy for little hands to hold as well. Sherri Gordon, Clc, Parents, 2 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Lock Down Devices If customs officials do take your devices, don't make their intrusion easy. Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2025 Thank you, President Gibson, for making my voting for city council easy. Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Kit kept things simple with a traditional dark blue suit, pairing the look with a white shirt and polkadot bowtie and his usual glasses.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In recent years, the number of satellite launches has increased, resulting in thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit that are susceptible to cyberattacks.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Tomato, pepper, eggplant and tomatillo are all susceptible to the same suite of soil pathogens.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Cognitive dissonance is about resolving conflicts in information by choosing what is most comfortable.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Its turban-style silhouette features a subtle front twist and elastic at the back for a secure, comfortable fit, perfect for curly and thick textures, but may wear looser for those with finer hair.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Rande, 62, matched his wife's and daughter's soft elegance by wearing a classic black tux with a white collared shirt and back tie.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Cook until the potatoes are soft in the center when pierced through the foil with a fork, 45–90 minutes.
    Scott Clark, Saveur, 3 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Fans easily forget unless the brand is authentically integrated and relevant to fans and unites with their passion at the individual club and match level.
    Kirk Wakefield, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Occurring when the moon appears as the same size as the sun and blocks the entire disk from Earth, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes, total solar eclipses are a relatively rare event that are not always easily viewable.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The ride: The Niro’s suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a generally smooth and comfortable ride, especially in urban environments.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Whisk together lemon zest, 3/4 cup of the cream, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Mix and match it with a variety of shirt and jacket combinations, such as a snug white tee and jean jacket; complete the look with sneakers, sandals, or stiletto booties.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • These chic jeans have a snug fit in the waist and thighs with loose legs for styling trendy outfits.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
    Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2025
  • By structuring a sale through a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT), business owners can reduce taxes, generate a lifetime income stream and ultimately leave a charitable legacy—while also ensuring their heirs receive an equivalent inheritance through life insurance.
    Jamie Farmer, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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