superficial
adjective
Examples of superficial in a Sentence
Lewis Grossberger, Mediaweek, 14 Apr. 2003
Angelina Jolie goes blond and bubbly and hell hasn't even started freezing over. The brooding brunette donned a Monroe-esque platinum coif for her most recent film, "Life or Something Like It." She plays a superficial reporter who learns what's most important in life—which is, apparently, getting it on with Edward Burns.
—Katerine Stroup et al., Newsweek, 23 July 2001
All this discussion of money may seem a vulgar recital of greed. But that is really just a superficial, simplistic criticism and usually a dishonest one.
—Garth Clark, Ceramics Monthly, October 2001
a superficial analysis of the results
They had a superficial knowledge of the topic.
These superficial changes don't address the underlying problem.
The storm only caused superficial damage to the building.
Anna Almendrala, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
But these images are too simple, too superficial, too sweet.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for superficial 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superficial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Middle English, from Late Latin superficialis, from Latin superficies — see superficies
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Phrases Containing superficial
Dictionary Entries Near superficial
Cite this Entry
“Superficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superficial. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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superficial
adjective
Medical Definition
superficial
adjective
More from Merriam-Webster on superficial
Nglish: Translation of superficial for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of superficial for Arabic Speakers
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