1
as in surface
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something a superficial scratch that barely even broke the skin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective superficial contrast with its synonyms?

The words cursory and shallow are common synonyms of superficial. While all three words mean "lacking in depth or solidity," superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features.

a superficial analysis of the problem

When can cursory be used instead of superficial?

In some situations, the words cursory and superficial are roughly equivalent. However, cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details.

gave the letter only a cursory reading

When might shallow be a better fit than superficial?

Although the words shallow and superficial have much in common, shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character.

a light, shallow, and frivolous review

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 superficial While outsiders may imagine Hollywood’s superficial glamour, Herzog sees a metropolis teeming with artists, writers and inventors. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025 On the other hand, the series’s superficial pleasures have been enough to keep it easy to watch this far. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 The team quantified the bite damage across four categories of increasing severity (ranging from ‘superficial’ to ‘critical’) and compared it to damage done on standard neoprene wetsuits. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025 Although childish and superficial, his renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War doesn’t telegraph a love of peace. Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for superficial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superficial
Adjective
  • However, they were limited to single steps to tackle multi-surface flooring and not intended for use on stairs.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
  • And that the smooth surface could harbor either a thick ice crust and thin ocean, or a thin ice crust and a thick ocean, with either possibility admitting the existence of sub-surface hydrothermal vents.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After a motorcyclist spotted a small skull lying on the desert sand, four bodies were found in two shallow graves in the southwestern edge of the Mojave Desert.
    Mason Leath, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In shallow portions of springs and spring runs, this means thousands of happy feet trample and destroy vegetation.
    Christopher F. Meindl, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Superficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superficial. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on superficial

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!