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superficially

ADVERB
lightly; without care
Synonyms
STRONGEST
outwardly
WEAK
apparently at first glance carelessly casually externally extraneously flimsily frivolously hastily ignorantly not profoundly not thoroughly on the surface once over lightly ostensibly partially skim to the casual eye
Antonyms
WEAK
carefully deeply thoroughly

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.

"Superficially, Arenaerpeton looks a lot like the modern Chinese Giant Salamander, especially in the shape of its head," Mr. Hart says.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

"Superficially, he's easy going and diplomatic, but he has a precise, analytical, efficient mind. He's good at seeing the big picture in any situation and how to get things done".

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Superficially, this looks like it could be a win for accident victims.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2026

Superficially, that one is a whole lot more plausible.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2025

Superficially, there seemed to be a profusion of order—or rather a profusion of Orders.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee