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
  • By doing so, the Panthers tried a hurried, fire-drill field goal, which Ryan Fitzgerald then proceeded to miss, which meant the halftime score was 19-3, Buffalo, and soon to get much worse.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025
  • There were multiple occasions in which A&M’s defensive front hit or hurried quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with just four rushers.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 26 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
  • According to reporting from El Dorado Hills community publication Village Life in 2023, Loewen’s hasty exit came months after El Dorado Hills residents voiced concerns over possible ethics and contract violations.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Three of the four men on trial in the drive-by shooting death of a 13-year-old Union County girl were found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison Thursday.
    Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Two of those incidents happened this summer, including a drive-by shooting in July that left two people dead and three others injured.
    Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Retaliating by no longer subsidizing Amy’s 4-H activities and withholding birthday and Christmas gifts may have been rash and could drive a lasting wedge that won’t be easily repaired.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Green was quick to point out that every team that has won a championship featured a strong defense.
    Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Excluding disasters, sudden surges of this magnitude in requests for food or any other need are rare at 211s, and can signal both public worry and need, as happened in the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Matthew W. Kreuter, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Young Luke was unfiltered and impulsive — what teenagers aren’t?
    Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The book follows a family dynasty — and specifically, the impulsive daughter of an automotive magnate — in 1927 Motor City, which has long enthralled the Salt to the Sea author.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cursory. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

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