Definition of cursorynext

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 After the match, the two exchanged a cursory handshake with Cirstea barely glancing in Osaka’s direction. Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 Even a cursory review of the nation’s political violence in recent years makes clear there is plenty of blame to go around. Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025 In between checking in on the new collection’s progress, the film offers a fairly cursory overview of Jacobs’ career to date, beginning with his graduation from New York’s Parsons School of Design in the mid-Eighties. Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for cursory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cursory
Adjective
  • Right now, decisions are being made in a hurried, contradictory fashion.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
  • In addition, the hurried evaluation and adoption of this proposal, which became public less than a week ago, is unnecessary.
    Jeff Kottkamp, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Instead, Mahan and his wealthy Silicon Valley backers talked themselves into a rushed and premature campaign that was never remotely competitive.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • As immigration officers arrested her six weeks ago, through tears and a rushed goodbye, Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez had a request for her daughter.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Western forces have largely beat a hasty retreat from Africa’s coup-prone Sahel region in recent years.
    Kaitlyn Rabe, The Conversation, 16 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, some Jackson County taxing jurisdictions have criticized the county’s tax policies as hasty and damaging.
    Ilana Arougheti June 13, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Two men were fatally wounded and a woman was left in critical condition in an overnight drive-by shooting in the Englewood neighborhood, Chicago police said.
    Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
  • Whether doing a drive-by or scrolling through Zillow listings, the first thing any potential buyer will notice about your home is the curb appeal.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Having trekked the territory with his trusty surveyor’s compass, and in the absence of anyone else rash enough to do it, Washington volunteers to deliver an ultimatum to the encroaching French forces.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
  • Unvaccinated people who may have been exposed are urged to quarantine, avoid large gatherings and watch for fever, cough, rash or red eyes for up to three weeks.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is an underground tunnel connecting the main hotel and the lobby/restaurant building, which makes navigating the area much easier in a wheelchair or for those looking to avoid a cold (but quick) commute.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
  • The Iranian men’s soccer team’s quick departure from Los Angeles following its opening World Cup match was always the plan, according to the US government, despite complaints from the team.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Authorities said that in the days leading up to her disappearance, Moore exhibited behavior that was out of character, including a sudden absence and an abrupt change in social media presence, according to ABC News.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • His sudden passing has left his wife, Pamela, to raise their two children alone, Melissa Lynch, a family friend wrote in a GoFundMe campaign statement.
    Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Kat makes the impulsive decision to marry Charlie, who agrees to remain in the relationship for a few months for the positive press.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
  • The criteria include frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, having unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsive behavior, chronic feelings of emptiness, intense anger, emotional instability, paranoia or dissociation under stress, and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-harm.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cursory. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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