Synonyms of cursory

cursory

adjective

ˈkərs-rē 

as in hurried

acting or done with excessive or careless speed

your essays require more than a cursory effort at proofreading

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hurried
• rushed
• hasty
• drive-by
• rash
• quick
• sudden
• impulsive
• makeshift
• headlong
• reckless
• overhasty
• rapid
• precipitous
• swift
• precipitate
• flying
• spontaneous
• abrupt
• helter-skelter
• impromptu
• gadarene
• pell-mell
• rush
• breathtaking
• slapdash
• speedy
• impatient
• impetuous
• offhand
• heady
• spur-of-the-moment
• madcap
• unadvised
• snap
• breakneck
• off-the-cuff
• hotheaded
• offhanded
• headstrong
• horseback

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deliberate
• unhurried
• unrushed
• circumspect
• calculated
• measured
• calculating
• prolonged
• tentative
• long-term
• extended
• foresighted
• hesitant
• leisurely
• slow
• faltering
• forethoughtful
• hesitating
• drawn-out
• pokey
• poky
• laggard
• dallying
• dawdling
• shilly-shallying

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

Recent Examples of cursory

Taylor Swift's generosity also deserves admiration Swift’s altruism is frequently tagged as a reason for respect and admiration, even from those with a cursory interest in her. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

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

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