routine 1 of 2

1
as in grind
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity part of my morning routine is drinking a cup of coffee while reading the newspaper

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2
as in exercise
something done over and over in order to develop skill a weapons training routine

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3
as in act
a performance regularly presented by an individual or group did a tired routine that's been around since the days of vaudeville

Synonyms & Similar Words

routine

2 of 2

adjective

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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 routine
Noun
But, despite the changes in your skin, building a routine to support the inevitable shift makes all the difference. Essence, 30 July 2025 With that in mind, read on to pick out one of these eight best face washes for acne to add to your cart and your routine. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 30 July 2025
Adjective
For undocumented immigrants, families with mixed immigration status or anyone who might otherwise be concerned about drawing the attention of immigration enforcement agents, such routine interactions have become more fraught. Calmatters, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2025 The policy prohibits routine meals and says food purchases must serve a business purpose, such as recognition events or emergency operations. Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for routine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for routine
Noun
  • There might only be a few starters from this group, but this collection of players can be key to rounding out the roster for the grind of a season Freeman hopes goes deep into January.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 28 July 2025
  • If you’re done with the grind, fed up of chasing up and convinced there’s another way, here’s what to do instead.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • And so billionaire philanthropy is an exercise of power and deserves skepticism rather than gratitude.
    Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
  • In addition to Spanx clothing, celebrities like Garner and Kylie Jenner are fans of its bras, and this one is under $50 and wearable for exercise.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Sometimes, a performer sings and manipulates the puppet, but groups can perform, with each member focusing on one piece of the act.
    Ryan Garza, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The idea is that the starch and trace amounts of iron, magnesium, and calcium act as a fertilizer.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As volatility becomes the new normal, many leaders feel compelled to act faster, control more or push harder.
    Gamini Hewawasam, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • The results are limited to changes in normal brain aging, not Alzheimer's disease.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Secretary of State Henry Kissinger sat just behind home plate alongside baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn, and he was tasked with throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
  • The first 20,000 fans will receive a Barry Bonds bobblehead, and Bonds will throw out the ceremonial first pitch in addition to other pregame festivities honoring the all-time home run king.
    Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • The volatility also comes amid the expectation of a peak shipping season that came and went earlier than usual due to the tariff whiplash.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 July 2025
  • While Davidson stuck to his usual casual attire, his girlfriend went for a more formal look for the event.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • With the playoff race beginning to take shape, the Revolution are in a rut with 11 games remaining.
    Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 20 July 2025
  • Washington fired its manager, Dave Martinez (and longtime general manager Mike Rizzo), on Sunday, shaking up a franchise that has been in a rut since winning the 2019 World Series.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Early on in Wednesday morning’s training camp practice, Demani Richardson made a play that transported you to another time and place.
    Alex Zietlow July 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2025
  • This was a common practice in British rule, as seen with the Irish tenant farmers, as well as in Great Britain’s dominant involvement in the slave trade.
    Tanya Talaga July 24, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Routine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/routine. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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