Sample Sentences for
perfunctory
(editor-reviewed)

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  • •
    He offered to accompany her to the hospital, but in a perfunctory way.  (source)
    perfunctory = done without much interest or effort- (as though he felt he had to offer, but didn't really want to go)
  • •
    a feeble and perfunctory attempt to clear away some of the appalling mess of his study.  (source)
    perfunctory = done without much interest or effort
  • •
    He smiled at her but it was perfunctory.  (source)
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Show 10 more with 2 word variations
  • •
    Some perfunctory clapping by the elders; and some loud shouts of "Frodo! Frodo! Jolly old Frodo,' from the juniors."  (source)
    perfunctory = done without much interest or effort
  • •
    He glanced perfunctorily at it, and shoved it in his pocket.  (source)
    perfunctorily = without much interest or effort
  • •
    Together they waged a perfunctory battle against the outrageous behavior of that place; against turned-over slop jars, smacks on the behind, and gusts of sour air.  (source)
    perfunctory = done quickly without concern or attention to detail
  • •
    He perfunctorily thrusts them into his pockets, unconsciously decorating himself with the protruding ends of the chains.  (source)
  • •
    The sheriff would make a perfunctory trip out, but instead of searching through the pines for the still he would sit on the porch until suppertime, and have some beans and cornbread.  (source)
    perfunctory = done without much interest or effort
  • •
    He was invited perfunctorily every Sunday, but he seemed to know that he oughtn't to come and always managed an excuse.  (source)
    perfunctorily = without much interest or effort
  • •
    A rapid and somewhat perfunctory search followed.  (source)
    perfunctory = done quickly without concern or attention to detail
  • •
    NICK (Perfunctorily) Yes indeed . . . very handsome.  (source)
    Perfunctorily = without much interest
  • •
    They had about them a perfunctory air, like men accustomed to caring for livestock.  (source)
    perfunctory = working without much effort
  • •
    And the guards who, when Volkovoi wasn't around, carried out the frisking perfunctorily, now flung themselves into their work with savage zeal.  (source)
    perfunctorily = done without much interest or effort -- as when dispensing with a formality
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