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

While the imposing, varied bosses are a highlight, even basic enemies rarely feel perfunctory in Mina the Hollower. — ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026

His expressions of alarm are detailed and expansive; his expressions of hope, perfunctory and brief. — Francis X. Rocca, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026

The offstage material is pleasant but mostly perfunctory. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2026

From then on, the storytelling goes slack and perfunctory as sharks swarm and chomp on passengers and crew clinging for dear lives on rafts or slabs of plane wreckage. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

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