Showing results for going through the motions. Search instead for going+through+the+motions.

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.

"But, in the moment, when you're going through the motions, I wish people wouldn't say that, because it hurts."

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

It’s an assembly of archetypes going through the motions, snow falling and lights twinkling all the while.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

He was calling Speaker Mike Johnson, who was going through the motions of saying hello to patrons who had shown up for an early lunch.

From Slate • Dec. 2, 2025

Megan was kind though to not make the sting of the split worse by going through the motions of the wedding day just to say no.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025

Dr. Z told me that Branwell had been following instructions, going through the motions.

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg

going through the motions

Example Sentences

Related Words