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

Kerry and Hal are the more perfunctory pairing, their connection more talked about than shown. — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

Poets take language—this very pedestrian, perfunctory material—and strip it down while also turning it into something greater than the sum of its parts. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Consider the case of Wells Fargo , a stock with a price-to-earnings ratio of 12 that had a quarter that was roundly disliked by the analyst community, despite some perfunctory price target increases. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 July 2026

An ancient Greek vase, a Dürer print, a sculpture by Jean Arp, and a Meiji-period hanging basket are given perfunctory presentations. — Jed Perl, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026

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