Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective cursory contrast with its synonyms?

The words shallow and superficial are common synonyms of cursory. While all three words mean "lacking in depth or solidity," cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details.

gave the letter only a cursory reading

When would shallow be a good substitute for cursory?

The words shallow and cursory can be used in similar contexts, but shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character.

a light, shallow, and frivolous review

When is it sensible to use superficial instead of cursory?

The synonyms superficial and cursory are sometimes interchangeable, but superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features.

a superficial analysis of the problem

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 cursory The preamble Everything seems perfectly normal at a cursory first glance. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 16 May 2024 However, any reader of the list with even a cursory knowledge of the European economic landscape will view the figures with skepticism, with the Fortune 500 Europe measuring companies’ revenues from 2023. Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 23 Oct. 2024 The individual elements of Ka’s style would be familiar to a listener with even a cursory knowledge of rap. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2024 Even a cursory examination of this framework reveals the undeniable link between systemic oppression and privilege. Ebony Flake, Essence, 30 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for cursory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cursory
Adjective
  • The German foreign minister flew to the United States on February 2 and returned to Europe the same night in a hurried effort to convince Baker of the need for a nonexpansion pledge to secure German unification.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ryan Kalkbrenner blocked Troy D’Amico’s attempt at a winning 3-pointer in the final seconds, Isaiah Rivera missed a hurried 3 just before the buzzer and the Bluejays had forced overtime with an improbable comeback.
    Mike Fitzpatrick, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The climactic battle feels hasty in the moment, but dragging it out any longer — or worse, having to make everyone recite the usual vampire-killing rules — would have been duller than elevator music.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
  • On the dark side, however, this can often lead to hasty decision-making, overly blunt communication or worse, jumping to conclusions.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators are looking for clues into who pulled the trigger in a drive-by shooting that left a mother and daughter dead in Compton on Tuesday night.
    Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Listen to this article Two men have been charged in connection with the drive-by shooting in Fort Lauderdale last summer that killed a 3-year-old boy, court records show.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Children are typically brought to the hospital after having the body rash for several days.
    Emily Baumgaertner Nunn, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Later in the episode, it’s slowly revealed that the groom and the bride also have the ringworm rash.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This mower features a quick start system and a side discharge for efficient grass management.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Telegraphed data arrived in the morning, and FitzRoy made quick extrapolations from his knowledge of storm theories, sending forecasts an hour later.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Several conditions may cause sudden vision loss, such as an eye injury.
    Heidi Cope, Health, 19 Apr. 2025
  • All of a sudden, something that was a huge source of joy in my grandparents’ life became a challenge.
    Katie Akin, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • What began as an impulsive decision turned into an unforgettable journey, one that gave her the opportunity to experience the U.S. in a way few travelers do.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • This often leads to better returns than active trading, which generally incurs higher costs and taxes and stems from impulsive, emotional decision-making, experts said.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cursory. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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