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 perfunctory Not De Niro, who delivers one of the most perfunctory performances of his career. Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 After a perfunctory campaign ahead of the launch, Apple has released the M4 MacBook Air. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 The Hold, its halls bereft of the zealots, liars, and dung-eating murderers who haunt it in Elden Ring, feels empty and perfunctory. Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025 By the 1990s, most of Corman’s product saw only a perfunctory theatrical release and mostly went straight to VHS or late-night cable. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfunctory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfunctory
Adjective
  • Their dominance was complete and almost nonchalant.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Sure, your cat may look rather nonchalant about it.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Retreat Linen Top and matching Mid-rise Shorts, both over 40 percent off, can be styled together for a polished resort outfit or worn separately with basics for casual, everyday wear.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
  • As the Sunday evening set’s start time lingered over his head, Junior H traded his casual, pink jersey for an all-white outfit that would contrast his band’s all-black attire.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Perfunctory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfunctory. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perfunctory

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!