as in nonchalant
having or showing a lack of interest or concern
the violinist delivered a perfunctory performance that displayed none of the passion and warmth he was once known for
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Recent Examples of perfunctory
According to sources familiar with institutional thinking on the matter, such protective language represents less of a policy shift than a perfunctory industry response to changing technology that could imperil Hollywood IP.
—
Chris Lee, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
Despite taking up 13 whole minutes of a 49-minute run time, the sequence feels perfunctory, blessed with neither inventive choreography nor elegant camerawork and editing.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2025
Only two actors were called in, but the second was more of a perfunctory meet.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
The awards are granted by County Commission votes, which are typically perfunctory at the end of a meeting.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for perfunctory
Chris Lee, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
Despite taking up 13 whole minutes of a 49-minute run time, the sequence feels perfunctory, blessed with neither inventive choreography nor elegant camerawork and editing.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2025
Only two actors were called in, but the second was more of a perfunctory meet.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
The awards are granted by County Commission votes, which are typically perfunctory at the end of a meeting.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for perfunctory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfunctory
Adjective
-
No wonder Trump is nonchalant about shutdown.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
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Is this the most nonchalant big play of the high school season so far?—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The soft, stretchy fabric and elastic waistband keep them comfortable, while the sleek design works for fitness classes, errands, or even a casual night out.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The onboard 6-watt speaker delivered good enough quality for casual use and is loud enough for a small to medium-sized family room.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perfunctory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfunctory. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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