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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

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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
Now Winston begins running errands in a pickup truck that can be customised with gadgets like a winch and a crane to make tasks easier. Joshua Lamb, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 The issues of revenue and reform are never easy, but the public’s opposition to new taxes for a vital service with wide support should not be surprising. Jack Lavin, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Adverb
Chris Ballard and company can breathe easy, because this likely was a dream scenario for the Colts — arguably, the league’s most tight end-needy team heading into the draft. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 The fits are relaxed but flattering, the materials are soft with just enough structure, and the color palette is full of elevated neutrals that make putting an outfit together easy. Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for easy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for easy
Adjective
  • Trevon Williams, who did not escape from the New Orleans jail, was charged with 10 counts of being a principal to simple escape, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on May 23.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • As artificial intelligence models grow increasingly sophisticated, their capabilities extend far beyond simple task execution.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Recent research shows rural SMEs, those based outside city limits, may be more susceptible to financial risk posed by climate hazards.
    Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • These mutations can make the cancer more aggressive but also potentially susceptible to a specific type of drug called a PARP inhibitor, especially if the cancer becomes resistant to hormone therapy.
    Jason P. Joseph, The Conversation, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps British director Matt Palmer and his co-writer Donald McLeary just aren’t comfortable with the very American milieu (despite a Canadian production) or genre tropes at hand.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 May 2025
  • The Soul Naturalizer Goodtimes Sandals feature a plush, cushioned sole to keep your feet comfortable and ache-free for hours, plus an elevated, feminine design that will match with any dress code or color palette.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Since then, only a few structural modifications and modern changes have been made—wood-burning stoves were replaced by propane heaters, and horses and mules were swapped for llamas (their feet are softer and less damaging to the ground).
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
  • Iñárritu also used his Cannes visit as a soft launch for his next wild experiment, with Tom Cruise.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Adverb
  • The old hierarchies from civilian life can easily reassert themselves in the military.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
  • She's not only created a new version of the monster, named Henry, but trying to bring all monsters under her control, and Dracula is not going down easily.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The vehicle’s 800 volt battery provides current when the vehicle travels over smooth road surfaces, and the suspension actuation motor is the 48 volt load.
    Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The technology was working, so everything moved a lot smoother.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • All in all, this strapless bra provided a snug fit on our tester's large bust and maintained its quality during the testing period.
    Michelle Rostamian, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • To complete your sleep setup, check out more bedroom essentials below: The Best Mattress Toppers That Take Comfort to Another Level: From cooling to plush picks, shop this extra bedding layer for a snug night’s sleep.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • This includes reviewing charitable structures and preparing for legislative shifts.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • As with at other Chick-fil-A locations, the chain’s charitable giving policy will focus on contributions to nonprofits that work in the areas of education, homelessness and hunger.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/easy. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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