exercise 1 of 2

Definition of exercisenext
1
2
as in practice
something done over and over in order to develop skill a young piano student dutifully going through the standard finger exercises

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3
as in use
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose the observation that the best exercise for losing weight is the exercise of one's ability to say no to food

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exercise

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to exert
to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively a senator who consistently exercises his clout in Congress to get pork barrel projects for his state

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2
as in to practice
to do over and over so as to become skilled the only way to exercise your writing skills is to do more writing

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3
as in to use
to put into action or service commended the firefighters for exercising really good judgment in that emergency

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

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 exercise
Noun
Erasing historic figures from the public sphere is an exercise in power going back to the pharaohs, a way rulers ensured future generations couldn’t learn about their enemies. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026 Testifying at her own trial had been an excruciating exercise, Wilkens told me, not only because describing the abuse meant reliving it. Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
Ultimately, the rise of algorithmic diplomacy also means a deeper transformation in how power is exercised. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026 This conclusion—that the best way to get fitter is to exercise—is not exactly surprising. Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exercise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exercise
Noun
  • The Kings never had the defensive activity to disrupt them much.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Harrell was again out at practice without a knee brace, working through individual periods with the other quarterbacks — but not a part of team activities or any live action, according to Albin.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The school's practices allowed people to get massage therapy licenses without finishing the required training, according to TDLR.
    S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Turner added that the conditions Kaiko was in were the direct result of backyard breeding practices that prioritize profit over animal welfare.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Police attempted multiple nonlethal methods to subdue the man, including the use of a Taser and pepper spray, before one officer fired a gun.
    Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At least two tankers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz while impersonating ships scrapped long ago, as Iran continues to exert a tight hold on traffic through the waterway.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • This is why Russia sees no immediate advantage to a rapid end to the conflict, believing that the path to victory will come from exerting pressure on the ground, rather than from negotiations.
    Olivier Kempf, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Eligible establishments would have to apply, and pay a $500 application fee.
    Nikki DeMentri, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • This also applies to bedding—trading a heavy winter-time duvet for one with a lighter material like a linen or cotton percale can be a nice refresh.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At Brookhurst and Magnolia streets, construction was stopped so nearby birds that were nesting weren’t bothered.
    Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Throughout the day, jot down any worries that are bothering you, particularly the ones that keep popping up.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And yet, in the scene on the Hill of Love, Lapid offers no self-questioning, no sense of cinematic exertion or trouble, in the fictional framing of the real agonies of Gaza.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Doctors sent him home with medication to stabilize his heart and strict instructions to limit any exertion.
    Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Both bills would establish teacher training academies focused on the science of reading so educators could earn an early literacy micro-credential.
    Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The academy provides resources and hosts trainings to help educators learn about AI and integrate AI tools into their classrooms.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exercise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exercise. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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