ROTE Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

rote 1 of 2

noun

ˈrōt

Definition of rote

as in routine

an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity learned the rote for the exercise warm-up but not the reasoning behind it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

rote

2 of 2

adjective

as in usual

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of rote

Noun

Nothing is done by rote in such a sophisticated operation, after all, and the results reflect at least some elements of emphasis. — Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026 Both governments still mouth the old slogans, by rote. — Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026

Adjective

The question definitively answered here is whether more schools should be emphasizing project learning over rote memorization and teaching to the test. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 That geographic blandness only emphasizes the film’s other shortcomings, such as Schoenaerts’s anonymous work as the villain (a lot of glowering and creepy glares) and the rather rote big-sister/little-sister arc given to Supergirl and Ruthye. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rote

Noun

Nearly every player goes through a sophisticated recovery routine, but the common denominator is the most valuable recovery activity of all.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Look for creators to pivot from salt piles to warm salt baths, foot soaks and cooler post-bath routines.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of routine

Adjective

But Sunday’s season opener, going up against a Tennessee Titans team now led by Saleh, has a more doomsday feel than usual for the Jets.

— Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Simmons went eclectic, surrounding himself with guest musicians and exploring sounds beyond the band’s usual territory.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of usual

Noun

Well, the guys who have been through that grind many times over — Mahomes (10 training camps with Reid), Travis Kelce (14) and Chris Jones (11) — say this training camp was unlike any of those past iterations.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026
Even college baseball — with its shorter schedule and regular off days — is no stand-in for the grind of a minor league season, which includes at least twice as many games as an elite NCAA program plays in a year.

— Chad Jennings, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of grind

Adjective

In typical Zheng fashion, she’s been upfront about what she’s learned as she’s begun the long climb back to the top of the sport.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Look forward to a more comfortable return to typical or even slightly below-average temperatures this weekend and next week.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of typical

Adjective

McCuin has only good speed and ordinary size, but his route savvy, ball skills and competitive toughness separate him on tape.

— Dane Brugler, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Europol does not keep statistics on nihilistic violent extremism because definitions of it differ and acts can fall into the category of ordinary criminality as well as terrorism.

— Lorne Cook, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of ordinary

Adjective

Spurs kept a clean sheet, an achievement to build on after shipping five in their opening two, and looked solid, if a little unimaginative in midfield.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Some critics described him as unimaginative but capable, and he was criticized for extending the defense of Bakhmut at great human cost.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of unimaginative

Adjective

The hotel’s commitment to showing off local, small-batch liquors means that all standard cocktails, as well as most of the signature drinks offered at its three bars, feature in-state whiskeys, vodkas, gins, and bourbons as a base.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
This massive $700 price cut gives competitive players, streamers, and multimedia creators a chance to bring home high-frame-rate gameplay and multithreaded rendering power without the strain of standard retail prices.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of standard

Adjective

You literally get paid time to give back during normal work hours.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
The catastrophe left Miami’s airport operating with just two of its normal four runways on a busy Labor Day and raised questions about whether the facility needs better equipment to prevent an overshooting aircraft from leaving airport property.

— Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of normal

Browse Nearby Words

rotations

rote

rotes

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rote. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rote

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on rote

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

facsimile

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes