CURSORY Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

cursory

adjective

ˈkərs-rē

Definition of cursory next

as in hurried

acting or done with excessive or careless speed your essays require more than a cursory effort at proofreading

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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

Examples of cursory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Even Dave Chapelle’s inflammatory transphobic material gets only cursory coverage. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 June 2024 Based on my extremely cursory Google, Michigan students aren’t required to live in the dorm freshman year, but 97 percent of them do. —

Brian Moylan, Vulture, 20 May 2024 Sadly, Google’s summaries are often too cursory to feel satisfying. —

Chris Velazco, Washington Post, 21 Feb. 2024 Even a cursory examination of cable-news websites reveals who ranks where in this regard. —

Sebastian Junger, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cursory

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cursory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.