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 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 Taking advantage of the rebels’ generally low levels of education and cursory understanding of democracy, Islamist lecturers condemn the evils of Western-style democracy and tout the benefits of an Islamic state. Vera Mironova, Foreign Affairs, 13 Jan. 2015 See All Example Sentences for cursory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cursory
Adjective
  • Photography by Christopher Lee Every morning taquerias throughout San Antonio fill with construction workers, nurses in scrubs, college students, and hurried families, all finding salvation in an iconic staple: the breakfast taco.
    Edmund Tijerina, Bon Appétit, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Macron has taken a leading role in Europe's push to keep Trump from cutting a hurried deal to end the Ukraine war that legitimizes Vladimir Putin and rewards the Russian invasion.
    Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • As major food and beverage conglomerates are beating a hasty retreat from their previous ESG, sustainability and DEI commitments, The Purpose Pledge is pointing a new way forward.
    Errol Schweizer, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Such hasty efforts at downsizing consistently failed, Drucker warned, even in the private sector.
    Jacob Bruggeman & Casey Eilbert / Made by History, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Shakur was shot on Sept. 7, 1996, in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025
  • In July 2016, Kansas City, Kan., police captain Robert Melton was shot and killed as police were responding to a drive-by shooting and subsequent police chase.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Vasculitis rash: Vasculitis is a condition that causes blood vessels underneath the skin to swell.
    Cristina Mutchler, Health, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Across the board, a measles rash also tends to give skin a pebbly or sandpapery texture as the spots multiply and get more consolidated, Dr. Lovins says.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But don’t be too quick to go for short-term solutions.
    Ray Titus, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Austin-Healey was quick to capitalize on the Sprite’s sporting success.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Escaping a sudden, massive flood, a smart, mischievous black cat clambers aboard a boat shared by a dog, a capybara, and a lemur, as well as a long-legged secretary bird.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 2 Mar. 2025
  • As big of a star as The Rock is, his sudden inclusion in Rhodes’ road to WrestleMania seems both forced and unnecessary, especially after their equally strange interaction on Raw’s Netflix premiere.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The United States under the chaotic, impulsive leadership of President Donald Trump is abandoning its longstanding alliances with fellow democracies in favor of, at best, strategic ambivalence.
    David Axe, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • These are not the actions of a responsible superpower, but rather the impulsive demands of a declining hegemon that has lost its way.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cursory. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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