ease
17 synonyms and 1 antonym for ease, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The quality of being simple or effortless.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The quality of being simple or effortless.
“She solved the puzzle with surprising ease.”
simplicity
facility
comfort
effortlessness
relaxation
smoothness
informality
relief
lessen
reduce
easiness
repose
Opposites
How to use ease
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
at ease
with ease
ease the pain
ease into
Etymology
From Old French aise ("elbow room, opportunity"), a word whose deeper origins are murky and disputed.
Full origin of ease →Frequently asked questions
What does “ease” mean?
The word “ease” means the quality of being simple or effortless. In plain terms, being comfortable and free of difficulty or strain, or (as a verb) making something less difficult or painful.
How do you pronounce “ease”?
“Ease” is pronounced eez (/iz/ in IPA).
How do you use “ease” in a sentence?
Here is “ease” used in a sentence: “She solved the puzzle with surprising ease.”
What is another word for “ease”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ease” include lessen and reduce.
What part of speech is “ease”?
Depending on how it is used, “ease” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ease” come from?
The word “ease” comes from Old French. From Old French aise ("elbow room, opportunity"), a word whose deeper origins are murky and disputed.
Is “ease” a common word?
“Ease” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ease” have?
“Ease” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the quality of being simple or effortless.
What is the difference between ease and easiness?
'Ease' is the standard noun for the quality of being simple or effortless, as in 'she passed with ease'. 'Easiness' exists but is far less common and often sounds awkward; 'ease' is almost always the better choice.
What is the difference between ease and comfort?
'Ease' can mean either effortlessness or a relaxed state free from worry, focusing on the absence of difficulty or strain. 'Comfort' emphasizes physical wellbeing and pleasant surroundings, so a task can be done with ease, while a chair provides comfort.
