1
as in surface
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something
a superficial scratch that barely even broke the skin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shallow
having or showing a lack of depth of understanding or character
a superficial analysis of how the violence in video games affects young people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of superficial
The researchers found that passive use of AI, simply asking for answers, can lead to superficial learning, where information is quickly forgotten.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
These are superficial, binary considerations, that the more important thing is that’s the tip of the iceberg, right?
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 6 July 2025
Although Social Security and Ponzi schemes have some superficial similarities, experts told PolitiFact that crucial differences undercut the comparison.
—Louis Jacobson, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The aesthetic industry, once seen as superficial, is evolving into a crucial branch of the broader longevity movement.
—Lara Devgan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for superficial
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
These are superficial, binary considerations, that the more important thing is that’s the tip of the iceberg, right?
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 6 July 2025
Although Social Security and Ponzi schemes have some superficial similarities, experts told PolitiFact that crucial differences undercut the comparison.
—Louis Jacobson, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The aesthetic industry, once seen as superficial, is evolving into a crucial branch of the broader longevity movement.
—Lara Devgan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for superficial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superficial
Adjective
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With modern farming, and its use of pesticides and herbicides, surface microbial communities often suffer.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 June 2025
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Storms are the most common cause of lightning, but lightning strikes have been observed in volcanic eruptions, surface nuclear detonations and during heavy snowstorms even.—
Joyce Orlando,
The Tennessean,
2 Aug. 2024
Adjective
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Then sawfish began washing up dead in the same shallow waters, launching an unusual rescue effort.—
Jenny Staletovich,
Miami Herald,
19 July 2025
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And that reactivity leads to poor decisions, inconsistent follow-through, and shallow innovation.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Superficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superficial. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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