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Showing results for perfunctory. Search instead for perfunctor.
Definitions

perfunctory

[per-fuhngk-tuh-ree] / pərˈfʌŋk tə ri /
ADJECTIVE
automatic, unthinking
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cursory offhand sketchy superficial
WEAK
apathetic careless cool disinterested going through the motions 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.

What surprised me at the time was how homogeneous board discussions and decisions were, with votes often being unanimous and seemingly perfunctory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

The much criticised Youssef Chermiti scored an extraordinary double before Kasper Schmeichel flapped at Mikey Moore's perfunctory shot.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

Right there, you have the perfect shadow-docket sandwich: perfunctory, bad decisionmaking, conclusory predictions about what constitutes an “emergency” and who’s going to win, decided in a couple of days, wiping out extensive factual findings.

From Slate • Jan. 3, 2026

TRW investigators had performed only a perfunctory background check.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2025

They did so, but only in the most perfunctory manner.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.