Synonyms of cursory

cursory

adjective

ˈkərs-rē 

as in hurried

acting or done with excessive or careless speed

your essays require more than a cursory effort at proofreading

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hurried
• rushed
• hasty
• drive-by
• rash
• quick
• sudden
• impulsive
• makeshift
• headlong
• reckless
• overhasty
• rapid
• precipitous
• swift
• precipitate
• flying
• spontaneous
• abrupt
• helter-skelter
• impromptu
• gadarene
• pell-mell
• rush
• breathtaking
• slapdash
• speedy
• impatient
• impetuous
• offhand
• heady
• spur-of-the-moment
• madcap
• unadvised
• snap
• breakneck
• off-the-cuff
• hotheaded
• offhanded
• headstrong
• horseback

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deliberate
• unhurried
• circumspect
• calculated
• measured
• calculating
• prolonged
• tentative
• unrushed
• long-term
• extended
• foresighted
• hesitant
• leisurely
• slow
• faltering
• forethoughtful
• hesitating
• drawn-out
• poky
• laggard
• dallying
• dawdling
• shilly-shallying

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

Recent Examples of cursory

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

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

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