Synonyms of perfunctory

perfunctory

adjective

pər-ˈfəŋ(k)-t(ə-)rē 

as in nonchalant

having or showing a lack of interest or concern

the violinist delivered a perfunctory performance that displayed none of the passion and warmth he was once known for

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nonchalant
• casual
• disinterested
• careless
• uninterested
• detached
• indifferent
• complacent
• unconcerned
• apathetic
• incurious
• insouciant
• stoic
• halfhearted
• uncurious
• tepid
• calm
• pococurante
• lukewarm
• numb
• cold
• insensible
• unemotional
• dispassionate
• aloof
• callous
• remote
• insensitive
• heedless
• mindless
• listless
• stolid
• unfeeling
• phlegmatic
• impervious
• impassive
• lethargic
• unimpressed
• cool
• hard-hearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• interested
• concerned
• aware
• conscientious
• attentive
• mindful
• sensitive
• warm
• fervent
• passionate
• zealous
• heedful
• ardent
• keen
• caring
• warmhearted

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of perfunctory

Jernmark’s genius doesn’t jump out through a perfunctory scroll of Lielle’s dishes on social media. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

The sheer aura of this sandbox, and your agile tools for exploring it, almost make the rest of Control Resonant feel perfunctory by comparison. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

That is what separates a perfunctory administrator from a true sales compensation architect. — Matt Bartels, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026

These are perfunctory roles by definition, so lackeys of one kind or another are often favored. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026

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