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.

“I have elders in my family, so I’ll give it to them,” Evans said perfunctorily, as if this kind of generosity is commonplace.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2022

They are nice people, but my wife and I have only ever had lukewarm, perfunctorily polite exchanges with them.

From Washington Post • Jul. 1, 2022

When the match ended, they quickly and perfunctorily clasped hands, then exchanged words, with Ostapenko saying, "Your behavior is terrible," and Tomljanovic replying, "Honestly, you're the one to talk."

From Fox News • Jul. 3, 2021

When the match ended, they quickly and perfunctorily clasped hands, then exchanged words, with Ostapenko saying, “Your behavior is terrible,” and Tomljanovic replying, “Honestly, you’re the one to talk.”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 3, 2021

He perused the menu perfunctorily and listened to a conversation resume that he had interrupted when he walked through the door.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy