as in hurried
acting or done with excessive or careless speed
your essays require more than a cursory effort at proofreading
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Recent Examples of cursory
Speaking at the White House last week, Mr. Musk asserted without providing evidence that a cursory examination of the Social Security Administration found that people listed in its systems as being 150 years old were receiving benefits.
—
Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Since 2001, the net effect of the state-building mission in Afghanistan has been the emergence of a strong Afghan army and a weak Afghan state, creating an imbalance that should worry anyone with a cursory knowledge of history or political theory.
—Paul D. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2014
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
See All Example Sentences for cursory
Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Since 2001, the net effect of the state-building mission in Afghanistan has been the emergence of a strong Afghan army and a weak Afghan state, creating an imbalance that should worry anyone with a cursory knowledge of history or political theory.
—Paul D. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2014
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
See All Example Sentences for cursory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cursory
Adjective
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My Dien is a hurried cluster that has grown up ad hoc, with buildings of varying sizes rising like reeds from a fertile swamp.—
Damien Cave,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Stewart’s return partly answered the question of who would host The Daily Show, a question that had been asked for well over a year after Noah’s hasty departure.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
6 June 2025
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And the White House thinks now is a good time to drop everything and do a hasty bilateral trade deal? Trade agreements are wildly complicated affairs in the best of times, taking several months, even years.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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No one was in custody for the drive-by shooting, and detectives were investigating.—
Deanese Williams-Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
1 June 2025
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In addition to the federal case, Bailey has been convicted of possession of a pistol without a permit, possession of a trigger activator, drive-by shooting and fleeing police in a vehicle, the complaint said.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Ellie is rash and impulsive; Dina is lovestruck; Jesse is loyal and selfless.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 May 2025
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For instance, entrepreneurs under chronic stress might make rash business investments without considering long-term profitability.—
Shane Enete,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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That’s why the pushback by politicians against Homeland Security’s big, beautiful boo-boo has been quick — and hilarious.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
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Most of the garage lights on our list include power cords to plug them into an outlet, making installation quick and easy.—
Molly Blanco,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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After Earps’ announcement, Wiegman was asked what her long-time goalkeeper’s sudden international retirement two months before a major tournament said about the unity of the team.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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Keep a safe distance: Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Although bad things do happen to him, they are often caused by his own careless and impulsive nature.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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Move slowly and be careful about impulsive ideas and actions.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cursory. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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