Shoals is a commonly used word to describe a shallow area in a body of water. However, there are several synonyms for this word that can be used interchangeably. Some of the most common synonyms for shoals include shallows, sandbars, reefs, flats, ledges, and banks. Each of these words can be used to describe a shallow area in a lake, river, or ocean. For instance, if you are on a boat and you see an area where the water is shallow, you can use any of these words to describe it. These synonyms can also be used in writing, particularly in poetry, to add variety to your vocabulary.