There are many synonyms for the phrase "go through in a desultory manner." Some alternatives to this phrase include "peruse," "skim," "browse," "scan," "flip through," and "glance over." Each of these words conveys a slightly different meaning, but they all suggest a casual or half-hearted approach to examining some material. "Peruse," for instance, implies a more careful reading, while "skim" suggests a quick glance that may miss important details. "Browse" typically applies to physical objects, such as books in a store, while "scan" refers to digital content like emails or web pages. Regardless of the specific word chosen, each of these synonyms implies a lack of focus or engagement with the material being examined.