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
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Recent Examples of perfunctory
Some feel a bit perfunctory and unrevealing, such as Jack Black popping in for a segment to talk about the late Meat Loaf’s scene-stealing cameo.
—
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for perfunctory
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for perfunctory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfunctory
Adjective
-
Kivel’s narration remains droll and nonchalant, practically taunting the reader, as Evie’s circumstances become more and more absurd.—
Lora Kelley,
New Yorker,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Despite the win leaving his wife in disbelief, the winner was nonchalant.—
Daniella Segura,
Miami Herald,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
With 131 stylish rooms, lush linens, rainfall showers, minibars and free Wi‑Fi, the hotel offers comfort and charm, not to mention a casual, youthful vibe and unstuffy service-with-a-smile.—
David Weiss,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Rihanna teamed the dress with oversize earrings and a rose ring and, for a casual twist, some lime green sneakers.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perfunctory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfunctory. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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