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superficial

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of superficial

1 lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something

  • a superficial scratch that barely even broke the skin
Synonyms of superficial

skin-deep, surface
Words Related to superficial

depthless, shallow, shoal

two-dimensional

external
Near Antonyms of superficial

deep, deep-seated

2 having or showing a lack of depth of understanding or character

  • a superficial analysis of how the violence in video games affects young people
Synonyms of superficial

facile, one-dimensional, shallow, skin-deep
Words Related to superficial

cursory, hasty, oversimple, passing, sketchy

aimless, desultory, haphazard, hit-or-miss, random

limited, narrow, restricted
Near Antonyms of superficial

discerning, penetrant, penetrating

definitive, hard

broad, complete, comprehensive, exhaustive, extensive, far-reaching, wide

general, global, inclusive

detailed, in-depth

critical
Antonyms of superficial

deep, profound

Synonym Discussion of superficial

superficial, shallow, cursory mean lacking in depth or solidity. superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features.
    • a superficial analysis of the problem
shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character.
    • a light, shallow, and frivolous review
cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details.
    • gave the letter only a cursory reading

Learn More about superficial

  1. See words that rhyme with superficial Dictionary: Definition of superficial Medical Dictionary: Definition of superficial Spanish Central: Translation of superficial Nglish: Translation of superficial for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of superficial for Arabic speakers

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