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 perfunctory Not De Niro, who delivers one of the most perfunctory performances of his career. Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 After a perfunctory campaign ahead of the launch, Apple has released the M4 MacBook Air. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 The Hold, its halls bereft of the zealots, liars, and dung-eating murderers who haunt it in Elden Ring, feels empty and perfunctory. Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025 By the 1990s, most of Corman’s product saw only a perfunctory theatrical release and mostly went straight to VHS or late-night cable. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfunctory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfunctory
Adjective
  • At half-time, as Rayan Cherki enjoyed 15 minutes of nonchalant showboating, an altogether more ferocious warm-up was taking place just across the pitch.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Actress January Jones channeled Isabel Marant’s nonchalant French-girl style by wearing an oversized sweater and cutoff jean shorts to a dinner hosted by the designer.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even casual users should take a moment to review their settings and chat history to make sure personal details aren’t being shared without their knowledge.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • Quiet luxury persists, but in a more casual, relaxed iteration.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perfunctory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfunctory. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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