Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

going through motions

ADJECTIVE
passive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apathetic indifferent laid-back nonviolent quiet static unflappable uninvolved
STRONG
bearing cool flat idle long-suffering patient yielding
WEAK
acquiescent asleep compliant docile enduring forbearing hands off inert latent moony motionless nonresistant phlegmatic poker-faced quiescent receptive resigned sleepy stolid submissive tractable unassertive unresisting walking through it
Antonyms
STRONGEST
caring concerned interested
STRONG
agitated impatient
WEAK
active dynamic lively
ADJECTIVE
uninterested
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apathetic disinterested indifferent listless unconcerned uninvolved weary
WEAK
aloof blasé bored bored stiff casual could care less detached distant hard-hearted impassive incurious remote thick-skinned turned off uncurious unresponsive withdrawn
Antonyms
STRONGEST
caring concerned energetic interested involved lively untired
WEAK
enthusiastic feeling

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.

It isn't going through motions, even though you've sung something a million times - it's wonderful to know you love something so much.

From The Guardian • Mar. 6, 2017

I am not sending this message to the Congress merely for the purpose of going through motions.

From Time Magazine Archive

In a subplot romance, Robert Alda and Sally Ann Howes seem to be going through motions rather than emotions.

From Time Magazine Archive

The person is either going through motions quite blindly, perhaps purely imitatively, or else is in a state of excitement which is exhausting to mind and nerves.

From Democracy and Education: an introduction to the philosophy of education by Dewey, John

He felt himself going through motions which he was powerless to direct.

From Broken to the Plow by Dobie, Charles Caldwell