existing or occurring only at or on the surface. "the building suffered only superficial damage" synonyms: surface, exterior, external, outer, outside, outermost, peripheral, slight "his face was blotched with superficial burns"
appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely. "the resemblance between the breeds is superficial" synonyms: apparent, specious, seeming, outward, ostensible, cosmetic, slight "its spines give it a superficial resemblance to a hedgehog"