put in an appearance
Briefly stop by
To put in an appearance is to show up somewhere briefly, often out of obligation rather than genuine interest.
The phrase implies minimal effort—arriving just long enough to be seen before leaving: I wasn't feeling well but put in an appearance at the party.
It suggests fulfilling social expectations without full commitment.
- show upArrive or outperform
- attendBe present at
- fleetinglyFor a very short time
- cursorilyIn a hasty, surface-level manner
- in passingWithout special attention
show your face · make it · obligation · briefly · formality · social obligation · arrive · courtesy · momentarily · turn up · come by · swing by · guest · visit · drop by · duty · stop by · greeting
put in an appearancestick around
Remain in place temporarily
see it through · settle in · make a night of it · stay put · camp out
putting, putter, appearance, appear, appears, appeared, appearing, disappear, disappearance