SUPERFICIALLY Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

superficially

adverb

as in minimally

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Dissimilar Words

as in imperfectly

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of superficially Further, conditions such as major depressive disorder and schizophrenia likely have several subgroups that superficially resemble each other but develop through different mechanisms and pathways. — Anand Kumar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026 Anna Anosowicz’s highly resourceful production design makes excellent use of existing midcentury brutalist architecture and far more ancient, enduring structures, all moldering under superficially futuristic window-dressing. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026 Tony Dalton brings impressive menace to a superficially affable sheriff, and Laura Donnelly strikes the perfect balance between femme fatale and innocent love interest. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026 His brother and grandparents were injured, but only superficially. — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026 Unlike traditional microneedling, which uses metal needles inserted and withdrawn, spicules embed superficially and shed with normal skin turnover over a few days. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026 Many of the devices employed during segregation, such as poll taxes, grandfather clauses, and literacy tests, were superficially race-neutral. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 Never water superficially but always give the root ball a good soaking. — Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2026 This requires that practitioners in this area have a deep understanding of the facts of a particular case and not approach the UPEPA superficially. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superficially

Adverb

The underlying problem was an intestinal condition that doctors can fix with a routine, minimally invasive surgery, experts who reviewed Malone’s death records said.

— Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026
Treatments range from minimally invasive procedures like Botox and laser therapy, to surgical interventions like chest masculinization and liposuction.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of minimally

Adverb

The department exists to preserve some semblance of equal justice in the United States — imperfectly, haltingly, often overbearingly for some and cautiously for others — and help ensure that the nation is governed by the rule of law.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Rather than suffering because leaders acted imperfectly, organizations often suffer because leaders waited too long to act at all.

— Irma Becerra, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of imperfectly

Adverb

This pick has a slightly boxy cut and just-so crop, which feels modern without requiring you to flash your belly button to the masses.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
Everyone in Los Angeles apologized to me about the weather, which was warm, breezy, and ever so slightly overcast—in short, perfect.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of slightly

Adverb

Earlier this month, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly won the Democratic nomination after one of the most chaotic and unusual primaries in the state’s history.

— Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026
In 2024, Burke’s squad dragged itself off the mat after an awful (yet at the time, typical) start to the season to go unbeaten in 12 of 13 matches down the stretch and narrowly miss the playoffs.

— Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of narrowly

Adverb

Last year Lee was questioned by legislators after the audit found staffing shortages and process failures had left thousands of cases inadequately investigated, including serious injuries and deaths.

— Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Around the world, most caregivers are either uncompensated or inadequately compensated, and many rely on public assistance where available to make ends meet.

— Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of inadequately

Adverb

Some come so quickly that there’s barely time to process how they were accomplished.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Azurá Stevens, the franchise’s marquee signing worth just over $1 million a year, barely cracked a 10-point average while missing nearly a quarter of the season due to injuries and personal concerns.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of barely

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“Superficially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superficially. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of superficially

adverb

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