superficial

adjective su·per·fi·cial \ ˌsü-pər-ˈfi-shəl \

Updated on: 24 Mar 2018

Definition of superficial

1 a (1) : of, relating to, or located near a surface

(2) : lying on, not penetrating below, or affecting only the surface

superficial wounds

b British, of a unit of measure : square

superficial foot

2 a : concerned only with the obvious or apparent : shallow

b : seen on the surface : external

c : presenting only an appearance without substance or significance

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superficially

play \ˌsü-pər-ˈfi-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

See superficial defined for English-language learners

See superficial defined for kids

Examples of superficial in a Sentence

Wonderbra model Eva Herzigova sued a Canadian underwear company that refused to pay her $30,000 fee because she showed up for the photo shoot with a short haircut that company didn't like. You know, it's shameful in this day and age how superficial and sexist some of these ad execs are. —Lewis Grossberger, Mediaweek, 14 Apr. 2003
Angelina Jolie goes blond and bubbly and hell hasn't even started freezing over. The brooding brunette donned a Monroe-esque platinum coif for her most recent film, "Life or Something Like It." She plays a superficial reporter who learns what's most important in life—which is, apparently, getting it on with Edward Burns. —Katerine Stroup et al., Newsweek, 23 July 2001
All this discussion of money may seem a vulgar recital of greed. But that is really just a superficial, simplistic criticism and usually a dishonest one. —Garth Clark, Ceramics Monthly, October 2001
a superficial analysis of the results
They had a superficial knowledge of the topic.
These superficial changes don't address the underlying problem.
The storm only caused superficial damage to the building.

Recent Examples of superficial from the Web

Unlike other salon-only treatments that add a superficial layer of hydration to the hair, Olaplex claimed to actually repair the damage caused by coloring and styling.

— refinery29.com, "Olaplex Vs Smartbond: Which Treatment Will Actually Repair Your Hair?," 12 Mar. 2018
Studies show that minimal or superficial exposure to out-group members can actually worsen group division.

— david frum, New York Times, "The Battle Over What It Means to Be American," 1 Mar. 2018
Although a lot of the industry can be vapid and superficial, there is also the other end of the spectrum where young amazing designers can deliver a strong message.

— janelle okwodu, Vogue, "Anna Collins Went from Tumblr Guru to Fashion Week’s Coolest New Model," 16 Feb. 2018
For one thing, Instagram puts a premium on superficial dog traits like cuteness over ones like intelligence or obedience.

— alex williams, ajc, "Is your dog ready to be an Instagram star?," 25 Feb. 2018
The surrounding players are exaggerated, one-note caricatures; Barrie’s wife is a superficial shrew, her lover is a fop, the grandmother is stern and matronly, the promoter has a perpetual glint in his eye and the actors are campy.

— mike fischer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Circus scene is the highlight of a bland 'Neverland'," 21 Feb. 2018
At the ballpark, Hernandez kept to himself or kept conversation superficial.

— zach buchanan, Cincinnati.com, "How David Hernandez rebuilt himself as a pitcher, and as a person," 21 Feb. 2018
There the surgeons said Riondozzo would die, but that Garaneoda’s wound was superficial.

— johnny miller, San Francisco Chronicle, "Political consultant hurt in fracas, 1993," 19 Feb. 2018
While significant, the injuries were superficial, White says, and didn’t stop his riding.

— rachel axon, USA TODAY, "Shaun White regains love for snowboarding following disappointment in Sochi," 25 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'superficial.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.