rote 1 of 2

noun

ˈrōt How to pronounce rote (audio)
Definition of rotenext
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

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rote

2 of 2

adjective

as in usual

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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
  1. routine
  2. usual
  3. grind
  4. typical
  5. ordinary
  6. unimaginative
  7. standard
  8. normal
Noun
  • The 5-inch touch screen walks through networking, calibration, self-check routines, and bed leveling step by step, making the initial startup surprisingly painless considering the machine’s size.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
  • One routine that created apprehension among the general public was visiting public restrooms, Simon wrote.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of routine
Adjective
  • Its separate entrance, elevators, and staff have always set it apart from the surrounding casino ecosystem, offering a smoke-free, gaming-free environment with all the brand’s usual service signatures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • For example, someone who is comfortable walking for 30 minutes could walk at their usual pace for several minutes, then pick it up for a minute or two before slowing down again.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of usual
Noun
  • An espresso machine calls for an extra-fine grind, while a French press or percolator requires a coarse grind.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Related Stories There’s often plenty of chatter about whether the younger generation of pop stars has the appetite for the traditional grind of superstardom.
    — Emanuel Okusanya, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of grind
Adjective
  • With 50,000 unique items for sale and dozens of each on shelves at your typical big box store, that’s a lot for human beings to keep track of.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The carbon footprint was calculated using a range of usage from an industry average of 60% to 100% for round-the-clock deployment, and a gas burn rate of a typical single-cycle gas generator.
    — Matt Day, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of typical
Adjective
  • Pay attention to ordinary pleasures, like a warm bed on a cold night, a good cup of coffee, or a brightly colored bird outside the window.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Critics, however, said the effects of those macroeconomic improvements were not being felt by ordinary Zambians who were growing frustrated with a high cost of living and electricity shortages.
    — Jacob Zimba, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of ordinary
Adjective
  • 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
  • But is that because these shirts evoke nostalgia and appreciation for the designs, or because the newer alternatives are unimaginative and too expensive?
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of unimaginative
Adjective
  • For those participating in the trial, surgeons had already removed their tumors, and everyone had been treated with Keytruda, the standard immunotherapy.
    — Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Toxicology tests, which are standard in many death investigations, could take weeks to complete.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of standard
Adjective
  • The sensor returned to normal after Menon doffed the suit, but NASA took some extra time to make sure there was no serious issue.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Restrictive eating and other disordered eating behaviors can start to feel very normal when your whole algorithm is feeding you back-to-back tips on how to shrink yourself.
    — Miranda Roberts, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of normal

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Cite this Entry

“Rote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rote. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rote

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rote

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