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 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 See All Example Sentences for cursory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cursory
Adjective
  • Shots stopped falling, turnovers crept in and possessions that had previously looked sharp dissolved into hurried attempts and empty trips.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Interviews are typically hurried affairs, a business transaction more than anything else, with a strict time limit.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • May 21 – June 20 Steady, thoughtful sentences are your friend — skip the rushed word vomit!
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
  • Gemini May 21 – June 20 Steady, thoughtful sentences are your friend — skip the rushed word vomit!
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Hatch has also faced criticism from some child welfare advocates, who say the Department of Children and Families has been too hasty to remove medically vulnerable children from their parents and to cut off parental rights.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
  • As California is amply demonstrating with the hasty exits of many of its billionaires in the face of a potential state tax on their unrealized paper wealth, taxing the rich (at least by itself) is no panacea.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • One woman was killed and a second was injured in a drive-by shooting Friday night at a funeral home, according to East Point police.
    Alexis Stevens, AJC.com, 10 Jan. 2026
  • In another case in Atlanta, two 13-year-old boys were killed in a drive-by shooting ordered by an incarcerated gang leader.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Both had a fever, a cough, a rash, pink eye, and cold symptoms.
    Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Symptoms of measles, a virus that attacks the lungs and airways, can include fever, cough, a blotchy rash and red, watery eyes.
    Andrew Jones, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Last year, the swimming portion was canceled because of large swells and the event made a quick pivot by offering a 5K run the night before.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The Warriors’ center did not travel with the team for its quick two-game road trip to New Orleans and Memphis.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Porzingis — who the Warriors traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield for — had also missed Sunday’s win over the Nuggets with a sudden illness.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Just Friends By Haley Pham Blair and Declan were once inseparable best friends whose brief, impulsive romance ended in heartbreak and silence after one shattering moment.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
  • After getting two appointments right (Steve Cooper and Nuno Espirito Santo), Marinakis has reverted to type, with impulsive and erratic decision-making having undermined Forest’s campaign from the start.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Cursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cursory. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cursory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster