Go through the motions
Go through the motions verb - Pretend to do something by acting as if one was really doing it.
Usage example: She isn't really working--she's just going through the motions
Show all Definitions
Synonyms for Go through the motions
Make and go through the motions are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Make" instead a verb phrase "Go through the motions".
Make
Make verb - To bring into being by combining, shaping, or transforming materials.
Go through the motions and make are semantically related. Sometimes you can replace phrase "Go through the motions" with "Make", this terms are similar.
Both terms in one sentence
- If I'm assigned to investigate a crime that has already taken place with evidence that is really shady and the command has made it clear to me that they just want the thing to go away, I'll go through the motions and make it go away.
Cite this Source
Make and Go through the motions. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 31, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/go_through_the_motions/make
Go through the motions & Make. N.p., 2016. Web. 31 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/go_through_the_motions/make>.
Make or Go through the motions. 2016. Accessed July 31, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/go_through_the_motions/make.
