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Dictionary.com

going through the motions

ADJECTIVE
perfunctory
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cursory offhand sketchy superficial
WEAK
apathetic careless cool disinterested heedless impersonal inattentive indifferent involuntary lackadaisical laid-back mechanical negligent phoning it in routine slipshod slovenly standard stereotyped stock unaware unconcerned uninterested usual walking through it wooden
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careful complete detailed thorough
WEAK
precise thoughtful

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.

Mr. Bennett, age 91, and Mr. Hytner, 69, seem to be going through the motions with this effort, which feels like a forgettable Sunday-night PBS presentation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

You’ve been going through the motions in life, but that’s when it gets very real.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2025

What an incredible way to spend your time, because I've had other jobs that have felt like going through the motions or whatever.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2025

I don’t know how many people took that as anything other than going through the motions for the sake of not discouraging offers of help, but anything is possible; maybe he does believe it.

From Slate • Feb. 7, 2024

I was going through the motions of my warm-up, but all I was really doing was fighting the urge to go curl up in a corner somewhere and take a nap.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad