Definition of cursorynext

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 Even a cursory review of the nation’s political violence in recent years makes clear there is plenty of blame to go around. Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025 In between checking in on the new collection’s progress, the film offers a fairly cursory overview of Jacobs’ career to date, beginning with his graduation from New York’s Parsons School of Design in the mid-Eighties. Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025 Miami had cursory contact with Samuel’s representation but never strongly pursued him or invited him for a visit. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025 Some cursory research warned me of the dangers of blossom end rot and regular rot—two common conundrums when cultivating vining plants that grow on the ground. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cursory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cursory
Adjective
  • Stidham got off a hurried pass into the flat, but Patriots safety Craig Woodson was there and nearly picked it off.
    Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Florina Guerrero maneuvers around Taqueria San Miguel taking orders at a hurried clip.
    Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • May 21 – June 20 Steady, thoughtful sentences are your friend — skip the rushed word vomit!
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
  • Gemini May 21 – June 20 Steady, thoughtful sentences are your friend — skip the rushed word vomit!
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Clashes between protesters and federal agents have at times led to hasty arrests and charges, leading some cases to crumble under court scrutiny or be voluntarily dismissed by government prosecutors after more evidence emerges.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
  • With Warsh still well in the mix, some analysts also think the market's move away from National Economic Council (NEC) director Kevin Hassett is at least too hasty.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • One woman was killed and a second was injured in a drive-by shooting Friday night at a funeral home, according to East Point police.
    Alexis Stevens, AJC.com, 10 Jan. 2026
  • In another case in Atlanta, two 13-year-old boys were killed in a drive-by shooting ordered by an incarcerated gang leader.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The result of such rash maneuvers can only be a general slackening of standards.
    Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • One rash decision changes the course of his life.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Democrats were quick to seize on the internal Republican criticism.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026
  • In contrast to the relatively quick pickup for the show’s second season — which came about three weeks after its premiere — Netflix waited more than two months to decide the show’s future this time around.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Loose, fast, and slightly jerky steps, a sudden joy sweeping through the body like a wind.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • This design helps prevent the air from escaping during sudden movements or changes in orientation.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The challenge is resisting impulsive decisions driven by anxiety.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Anyone who has made an impulsive decision in a moment of intense emotion knows that feelings shape our choices just as much as rational thought.
    Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cursory. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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