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 Taylor Swift's generosity also deserves admiration Swift’s altruism is frequently tagged as a reason for respect and admiration, even from those with a cursory interest in her. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 The preamble Everything seems perfectly normal at a cursory first glance. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 16 May 2024 However, any reader of the list with even a cursory knowledge of the European economic landscape will view the figures with skepticism, with the Fortune 500 Europe measuring companies’ revenues from 2023. Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 23 Oct. 2024 The individual elements of Ka’s style would be familiar to a listener with even a cursory knowledge of rap. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for cursory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cursory
Adjective
  • This comes as the Trump administration has faced growing criticisms for its hurried proceedings to remove as many noncitizens from the country as quickly as possible.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In Alentejo, food is meant to be shared, and time at the table is never hurried, and this is a central element of the experience at São Lourenço do Barrocal.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Resolving these tensions requires genuine leadership – not hasty amendments.
    Philip Salter, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • While some parents might rush to force their kids to make a hasty and superficial apology–or even non-apology–taking an engaged approach instead of a reactive one allowed this father and son to make a sincere attempt at amends that took into account the other person’s feelings.
    Christian Dashiell, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Diller found that out by doing a drive-by, following an ominous report from an exec.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 19 May 2025
  • Homicides in Little Rock dropped by 24%, while drive-by shootings decreased by 55%, the release states.
    Josh Snyder, Arkansas Online, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Those qualities also led to some mistimed tackles and rash decisions, but Casado will be a better player for this season.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Dear Abby: My cousin (more like a sister) has made some extremely rash and concerning choices over the last year.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Creators should leverage strengths, choosing formats requiring minimal upkeep for quick returns.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • The bear blew past him half a stride, dug its front claws in the dirt, then spun a quick 180 and lunged at Bentzel.
    Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • The band’s message may have got slightly lost, however, amid their acid-trip screen visuals, military drag, and the climactic near-naked reveals, not to mention the sudden appearance of a rocket-straddling Vladimir Lenin impersonator who looked more like the Smurfs’ arch-nemesis Gargamel.
    Nick Allen, Vulture, 13 May 2025
  • In practical terms, a sudden revocation of a nonprofit’s status would instantly derail PSLF credit for its employees through no fault of their own.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • To tell the story of a middle-aged man’s impulsive leap into restaurant ownership, he’s gathered an accomplished cast wielding effortless charm.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
  • Could this change in spending from non-essential items to more essential ones mean a realignment away from impulsive internet purchases and toward more bare essentials?
    Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cursory. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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