Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective cursory contrast with its synonyms?

The words shallow and superficial are common synonyms of cursory. While all three words mean "lacking in depth or solidity," cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details.

gave the letter only a cursory reading

When would shallow be a good substitute for cursory?

The words shallow and cursory can be used in similar contexts, but shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character.

a light, shallow, and frivolous review

When is it sensible to use superficial instead of cursory?

The synonyms superficial and cursory are sometimes interchangeable, but superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features.

a superficial analysis of the problem

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 cursory However, even a cursory comparison to the air forces of Iran’s neighbors shows how far behind Iran’s once mighty air force has truly fallen, irrespective of what Vahedi would have had his domestic audiences believe before Friday. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 All of this is given a very, very cursory recap that makes this incredible, traumatic mission feel like an underwhelming jaunt in Lee’s life. James Grebey, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2024 Many rejections have been cursory, simply informing researchers that their projects no longer meet agency priorities. Paisley Currah, New Yorker, 27 May 2025 In David Silver’s new book, Vintage Rolex: New Edition: The Largest Collection in the World, there’s something for everyone—even those with a cursory interest in the Crown. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cursory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cursory
Adjective
  • After a hurried recovery period in his upstate hospital, Dexter heads to New York City, where his son Harrison (Jack Alcott) has moved.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 July 2025
  • Here’s how Kansas and Missouri representatives and senators voted in the hurried push to pass President Trump’s massive, controversial spending bill.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • All hands beat a hasty re treat to the cabin and barricaded themselves behind the companionway door.
    Pat Smith, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025
  • The recent uptick may be hasty unless the company can consistently deliver production, manage expenses, and progress towards generating sustainable cash flow.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • The man also worked with Deputy Sheriff’s Patrick Thomas Rohrer and Theresa Sue King, who were fatally shot while transporting an inmate in 2018; Capt. Robert Melton, who was fatally shot while attempting to apprehend a suspect in a drive-by shooting in 2016; and Det.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2025
  • Dustin Alan Jackson, 46, was initially booked on first-degree murder and drive-by shooting charges in the July 1 shooting death of Steven Bevan, according to court documents.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Rhus tox, also known as Rhus toxicodendron, is a homeopathic remedy derived from the poison oak plant, traditionally used for joint and muscle pain and relieving or preventing poison oak or poison ivy rash.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
  • While Strahovski’s appreciation for the product was instant, her decision to be involved with the brand wasn’t rash.
    Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • The latest of the spacecraft, known as sounding rockets, most recently made a successful quick trip to space to study one of the most complex regions of the sun's atmosphere following a New Mexico launch.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 21 July 2025
  • And getting there might require making a quick withdrawal.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Then Kings of Leon and Black Keys come out of Nashville and then all of a sudden the diversity of the music that was coming out of there started to really grow over a short period of time.
    Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
  • While some seemed excited about Buck's sudden appearance, some speculated about the possibility of Stephanopoulos leaving the show.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Merz, 69, is impulsive, prickly under pressure and occasionally leans into populist bluster.
    Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
  • Unlike reckless risk-taking, which is impulsive and uninformed, calculated risk should be strategic and intentional.
    Vikram Joshi, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cursory. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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