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 Miami had cursory contact with Samuel’s representation but never strongly pursued him or invited him for a visit. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025 Yet, despite the importance of this issue, boards can sometimes sidestep discussions or provide only cursory oversight of the CEO succession process. Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Some cursory research warned me of the dangers of blossom end rot and regular rot—two common conundrums when cultivating vining plants that grow on the ground. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2025 Important plot points that could mean something are paid off in the most cursory fashion. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cursory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cursory
Adjective
  • Elsewhere, the details lifted from the book suffer in translation – Branagh’s Victor is appropriately arrogant but not adequately tortured; De Niro’s Monster is sensitive and intuitive, but drowns in the film’s hurried, hollow second half.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Carter had to make a hurried Middle East trip – including a speech to the Knesset – before the two nations formally signed a treaty some six months hence.
    Carl Leubsdorf, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Our poor Toby, always so stressed, always so rushed.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • These alternatives can often provide a richer, less rushed experience than a whirlwind day trip to Paris.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Chief among the clues police have recovered at the scene of Sunday's sensational crime at one of the world's most famous museums are traces of DNA found on items the thieves left behind in their hasty motorbike getaway.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Today, however, rash actions and hasty judgments might put you at odds with someone.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The story of Tupac Shakur has been told many times since his tragic death at just 25 following a drive-by shooting in 1996.
    Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
  • An shooting earlier this month turned into a homicide investigation after a man shot in a drive-by died from his injuries.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There are bright blue and green swim shorts with hexagonal prints, silk resort shirts, a jacquard shorts and shirt set, rash guards and matching beach bags and towels.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Anyone who was at an exposure location and develops symptoms — which include fever, rash, cough, runny nose and red, itchy eyes — should contact their health care provider by phone.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Most of the song, the pre-chorus, chorus, all that stuff, that was really quick.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Most aneurysms are symptom-free, but sudden severe headaches or vision changes can signal a life-threatening rupture.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These people are all very reactive and very impulsive.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In Jay Kelly’s titular role, the Oscar winner does plenty of looking back during an impulsive train trip from France to Italy.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cursory. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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