Definitions

superficial

[soo-per-fish-uhl] / ˌsu pərˈfɪʃ əl /

ADJECTIVE

without depth, detail

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cursory frivolous one-dimensional perfunctory silly sketchy slight trivial

WEAK

apparent casual cosmetic depthless desultory empty evident exterior external flash flimsy general glib half-baked hasty hurried ignorant inattentive lightweight nodding on the surface ostensible outward partial passing peripheral quick-fix seeming shallow shoal skin-deep slapdash smattery summary surface tip of the iceberg uncritical warped

Antonyms

STRONGEST

complete important mature sensible serious significant thoughtful wise

WEAK

analytical careful deep detailed genuine thorough

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.

Remember, too, that while all this pop culture guides him, it does so per his most superficial interpretations.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Siri’s capabilities will allow it to read on-screen text in any app, but that’s superficial.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The video includes photos of superficial scratches on the vehicle’s expensive leather seats and door panel.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Her intervention brought renewed focus to the first couple’s friendship with Epstein, which Trump described as superficial and noted that “overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach.”

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

My lighter, more superficial side will always steal a march on the deeper side and therefore always win.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Vocabulary lists containing superficial

100 Top "SAT" Words

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 5

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