as in nonchalant
having or showing a lack of interest or concern
the violinist delivered a perfunctory performance that displayed none of the passion and warmth he was once known for
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Recent Examples of perfunctory
Some feel a bit perfunctory and unrevealing, such as Jack Black popping in for a segment to talk about the late Meat Loaf’s scene-stealing cameo.
—
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2025
Not De Niro, who delivers one of the most perfunctory performances of his career.
—Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
After a perfunctory campaign ahead of the launch, Apple has released the M4 MacBook Air.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
The Hold, its halls bereft of the zealots, liars, and dung-eating murderers who haunt it in Elden Ring, feels empty and perfunctory.
—Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perfunctory
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2025
Not De Niro, who delivers one of the most perfunctory performances of his career.
—Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
After a perfunctory campaign ahead of the launch, Apple has released the M4 MacBook Air.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
The Hold, its halls bereft of the zealots, liars, and dung-eating murderers who haunt it in Elden Ring, feels empty and perfunctory.
—Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perfunctory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfunctory
Adjective
-
On vacation, Nicola Peltz styled hers in a breezy, nonchalant way, with a black tank and yellow paisley-print skirt.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
23 July 2025
-
The collection’s journey touched down in Argentina, the Scottish Highlands, as well as New Zealand and Australia, home of its merino wool, for a refined traveler’s wardrobe crafted from top-notch fabrications exuding nonchalant sophistication.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Guests can choose from a variety of pastries and breakfast foods, coffee and more to keep things casual, or order from their selection of cocktails and wine.—
Ramal Nasim
July 25,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
-
Popups and its popular Sunday Suppers offer another avenue for more casual dining.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perfunctory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfunctory. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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