cursory

adjective

ˈkərs-rē How to pronounce cursory (audio)
Definition of cursorynext
as in hurried
acting or done with excessive or careless speed your essays require more than a cursory effort at proofreading

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 But that screening site was deep within the hotel and was relatively cursory in its execution. — Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2026 In practice, job counselors are often overwhelmed with caseloads of over 70, and the services provided are often cursory. — Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 My general understanding of book clubs had, to that point, been cursory. — Roxane Gay, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026 Even the most cursory tour of local highlights will take you from the 2,000-year-old remains of Emperor Tiberius's cliff-top Villa Jovis to the still-buzzing purveyor of Jackie Kennedy's iconic sandals—Canfora, which anchors the Via Camerelle luxury shopping corridor. — Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cursory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cursory
  1. hurried
  2. rushed
  3. hasty
  4. drive-by
  5. rash
  6. quick
  7. sudden
  8. impulsive
Adjective
  • Homemade enchiladas might sound like a laborious weekend project, but with a few clever tricks, this version made with black beans and pumpkin can be whipped up on even the most hurried of work nights.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Dooley emphasized the preliminary nature of the ruling and the hurried nature of the litigation preceding it in a short, 12-page decision.
    — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurried
Adjective
  • Critics, including Commissioners Christine King and Damian Pardo, call it a rushed effort that could be paid for with existing tax dollars without asking voters for more.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The teen’s family has said this was a rushed judgment that did not involve a thorough enough investigation.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
Definition of rushed
Adjective
  • Some Faculty Senate members warned that a hasty no-confidence vote would do little to address the underlying problems.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Pentecostal parents Ruth and Marius were accused of domestic violence, with worldwide protests criticizing what dissenters called harsh and hasty steps taken by Norwegian social workers without proper evidence.
    — Tomris Laffly, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of hasty
Adjective
  • The drive-by shooting in Mohmand, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan, also wounded a third officer.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • But Councilmember Traci Park, a staunch Flock supporter whose district stretches from Pacific Palisades to LAX, said license plate data helped solve at least one drive-by shooting.
    — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of drive-by
Adjective
  • That’s the kind of rash move the franchise has largely avoided for the past couple of decades.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Amid the turmoil of mass student protests in the streets of Belgrade, two young people are bonded by a rash act of rebellion, despite their outwardly incompatible ideologies.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of rash
Adjective
  • With the lesson learned from last year, TCU made sure to get off to a much quicker start as the Horned Frogs’ new roster shined against the Lions.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Next year, if Democrats claim the majority in both chambers, the GOP can’t expect quick dismissals.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of quick
Adjective
  • The performance is bringing a sudden wave of attention, which the 26-year-old actor is navigating with help from family, friends and firm boundaries.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Testing methodology Extreme forces driving modern aerospace and defense systems expose structural materials to rapid deformation, crushing pressure, and sudden failure.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of sudden
Adjective
  • But last Christmas, the designer went out on an impulsive—and what would prove to be fateful—run through Paris along the Seine, the city’s famous central waterway.
    — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In many instances Rama approaches difficult situations with restraint and adherence to dharma (righteous conduct), whereas Lakshmana is expressive, impulsive, quick to anger, and distrustful.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of impulsive

Browse Nearby Words

cursorily
cursory
curt
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Cite this Entry

“Cursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cursory. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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