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going through the motions

ADJECTIVE

perfunctory

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cursory offhand sketchy superficial

WEAK

apathetic careless cool disinterested heedless impersonal inattentive indifferent involuntary lackadaisical laid-back mechanical negligent phoning it in routine slipshod slovenly standard stereotyped stock unaware unconcerned uninterested usual walking through it wooden

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careful complete detailed thorough

WEAK

precise thoughtful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Bennett, age 91, and Mr. Hytner, 69, seem to be going through the motions with this effort, which feels like a forgettable Sunday-night PBS presentation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

What an incredible way to spend your time, because I've had other jobs that have felt like going through the motions or whatever.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2025

Said Curl: “We’re basically going against a starter every day in practice. ... It’s not like we’re going through the motions with the scout team.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2024

I don’t know how many people took that as anything other than going through the motions for the sake of not discouraging offers of help, but anything is possible; maybe he does believe it.

From Slate • Feb. 7, 2024

He allows me to talk, going through the motions.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak

going through the motions

Example Sentences

Related Words