as in routine
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity
I've fallen into a rut, watching television and then going to bed every night
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Recent Examples of rut
But Florida’s offense remained in a rut and was unable to build on its lead.
—
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
Meta's optimizing ad revenue amid AI overhauls; Starbucks is shuttering underperforming spots; PeaceHealth's battling reimbursement squeezes in a post-pandemic reimbursement rut.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
The Chiefs dug themselves out of a rut for the first time all season, eking out a 23-20 overtime win against the Colts.
—Sam McDowell 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025
In the fall, during mating season, also known as the rut, many bucks may cross roads in search of a mate, causing chaos on Middle Tennessee streets, interstates and highways, animals experts say.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rut
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
Meta's optimizing ad revenue amid AI overhauls; Starbucks is shuttering underperforming spots; PeaceHealth's battling reimbursement squeezes in a post-pandemic reimbursement rut.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
The Chiefs dug themselves out of a rut for the first time all season, eking out a 23-20 overtime win against the Colts.
—Sam McDowell 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025
In the fall, during mating season, also known as the rut, many bucks may cross roads in search of a mate, causing chaos on Middle Tennessee streets, interstates and highways, animals experts say.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rut
Noun
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Wellness clinics are increasingly emerging across the globe to help institute better sleep routines and methods for patients.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Pottery Barn Cozy Retreat Robe A soft robe is one of those gifts that makes everyday routines feel a little more indulgent.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The minor-league grind, the bus rides, bouncing from town to town, the stories and memories will last a lifetime.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2026
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Mallory Holt discovered the grind for her burger at Red Hook Tavern in Brooklyn, dove deep on Reddit to find the grind, and now serves it at her restaurant.—
Susan Stapleton,
Des Moines Register,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Austin Psych Fest will return to South Austin on May 8-10, unveiling a lineup that stretches from psychedelic legacy acts to contemporary soul, global grooves and local stalwarts, all set for a three-day run at The Far Out Lounge.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Jan. 2026
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Robinson and Derrick Brown played well throughout the year, while Wharton and Bobby Brown just couldn’t find steady grooves, despite some flashes of brilliance.—
Mike Kaye
January 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rut. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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