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.

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

Many others, though, are in the middle - recognising the superficial appeal of the new F1, but feeling uncomfortable about it at the same time.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

But “Alpha” rarely transcends its intellectual trappings or superficial themes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

That goal becomes difficult when students feel pressure to hide their true opinions, making connection superficial at best.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

We should beware of demonising or idealising it on the basis of a superficial acquaintance.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

Vocabulary lists containing superficial

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