superficially

adverb

1
as in minimally

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in imperfectly

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Dissimilar Words

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 superficially Digger is lambasted by his half sister, Emma (Sandra Hüller), a superficially liberal-minded Shiv Roy type, with her own eco-friendly initiative. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026 Both men’s families are played by actors who superficially match their real-world counterparts. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026 First, a few enthusiastic teams shipped generative AI and agentic AI features fast and superficially, creating real second-order risk—which is why the AI productivity function exists today. — Ankur Pal, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Further, conditions such as major depressive disorder and schizophrenia likely have several subgroups that superficially resemble each other but develop through different mechanisms and pathways. — Anand Kumar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026 Anna Anosowicz’s highly resourceful production design makes excellent use of existing midcentury brutalist architecture and far more ancient, enduring structures, all moldering under superficially futuristic window-dressing. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026 Tony Dalton brings impressive menace to a superficially affable sheriff, and Laura Donnelly strikes the perfect balance between femme fatale and innocent love interest. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026 His brother and grandparents were injured, but only superficially. — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026 Unlike traditional microneedling, which uses metal needles inserted and withdrawn, spicules embed superficially and shed with normal skin turnover over a few days. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superficially
  1. minimally
  2. imperfectly
  3. slightly
  4. narrowly
  5. marginally
  6. inadequately
  7. barely
  8. shallowly
Adverb
  • The device was transported from Loyola University to OPRF for students to gain experience in a field that some of them plan to work in and see how the machine is used to perform minimally invasive surgeries.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Devices that move tiny quantities of fluid have potential applications in microfluidics and minimally invasive medical technologies, where controlling flow through narrow channels can be challenging.
    — Mike McRae October 12, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of minimally
Adverb
  • The department exists to preserve some semblance of equal justice in the United States — imperfectly, haltingly, often overbearingly for some and cautiously for others — and help ensure that the nation is governed by the rule of law.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than suffering because leaders acted imperfectly, organizations often suffer because leaders waited too long to act at all.
    — Irma Becerra, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of imperfectly
Adverb
  • Roan also adds an new verse to the song, slightly changing the lyrics to reference a mediocre female suitor alongside Rodrigo’s original lines.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Montana's 1st District is slightly less Republican overall than the state, which voted for Trump by double digits in each of his three presidential campaigns.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of slightly
Adverb
  • Again, Hixon suggested Meta was reading the authors’ request too narrowly.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The former University City Library narrowly led in the race for the title of most popular early voting site through Monday, with 5,233 ballots cast.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of narrowly
Adverb
  • For the first time, the band with the most un-Googleable name in showbiz sounds marginally legible.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 16 Oct. 2026
  • JPMorgan Chase — Shares were marginally higher after the bank raised its net interest income outlook for the year.
    — Darla Mercado, CFP®,Fred Imbert, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of marginally
Adverb
  • Even as funding pours in, first responders say the village remains inadequately prepared to protect residents and tourists.
    — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The case accused school officials of unreasonably exposing McNair to the risk of heatstroke, failing to recognize the initial symptoms and inadequately providing medical care and treatment, thus worsening McNair’s condition.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of inadequately
Adverb
  • But behind that number is a battlefield engagement, a target barely visible across the landscape, and a shot whose details may remain classified or disputed for years.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Season 2 picks up from where things left off, with Michael and Diana having barely arrived in Spain when they are dragged back into the fold to answer questions around Ricardo’s death.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of barely
Adverb
  • When to seek medical attention People who use kratom and begin breathing slowly or shallowly, or who become excessively drowsy or difficult to awaken, may be experiencing serious sedation that can interfere with breathing, Steinman said.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Young and shallowly rooted plants are the most impacted by heat and drought, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and pests.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Definition of shallowly

Browse Nearby Words

superficiality
superficially
superficies
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Cite this Entry

“Superficially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superficially. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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