1
as in routine
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity
shuttling the kids between extracurricular activities is all part of the suburban drill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to pierce
to make a hole or series of holes in
the nerve-jangling sound when a dentist drills a tooth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shoot
to strike with a missile from a gun
drilled the target from 100 yards away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of drill
Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
Karaban went 18-for-25 in the 3-point star drill, 21-for-25 in the side-mid-side drill, 18-for-25 in spot-up shooting and 22-for-30 in shooting off the dribble.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
Pariente also says the toothpick hypothesis may be more plausible than drilling.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for drill
Noun
Expected to launch by next year, NASA’s robotic rover VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) will use spectrometers and an onboard drill to scout the lunar south pole for signs of water ice and helium.
—Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
Karaban went 18-for-25 in the 3-point star drill, 21-for-25 in the side-mid-side drill, 18-for-25 in spot-up shooting and 22-for-30 in shooting off the dribble.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Verb
Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb came across the neutral zone to drill Ducks center Ryan Poehling into the boards, after which Poehling left the ice with noodly legs and considerable assistance.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
Pariente also says the toothpick hypothesis may be more plausible than drilling.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for drill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drill
Noun
-
Move the desk, change the routine, state the preference.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
-
These creators made that knowledge far more accessible, producing educational content on everything from building a washday routine and transitioning from relaxers to mastering styles like twist-outs.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Though the longest hitters in the game are finding ways to pick up more speed every year — either through equipment changes or exercise regimens geared toward explosiveness — those same players are trending in the opposite direction in accuracy.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
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An exercise log can help with consistency.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Gabrielle’s unflinching competence and dynamism belie acute sensitivity, and the actress allows hints of child-like hurt and hesitation to pierce the carapace.—
Jon Frosch,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
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Because errors constantly occurred and changes were frequently made to the code, Hamilton sometimes edited the printout by hand by sealing excess holes with clear tape or piercing missing ones in the paper tape with a sharp pencil.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
12 May 2026
Verb
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In just her 11th PWHL game of the year, Cogan crashed the net on an Abby Hustler shot in the second period and beat Desbiens to tie the game 1-1.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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Notably, @Daiyinchi’s breakdown of the 'Smart Framing' feature reached a million-strong audience quickly, suggesting strong interest in tools that offer more hands-on shooting guidance rather than simply another filter.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Combined with soaring transport and fuel costs, which are essential for everything from running pumps and irrigation to harvesting rice and getting it to market, farmers may not be able to afford to plant the next season’s crop.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
16 May 2026
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Griffin's dad eventually shot Reeves to prevent him from talking, so Tynan helped cover up the murder by planting the gun on the victim.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Noun
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The youngster was making his second appearance for his new club, against AEK Larnaca back in October, and a grind of a Conference League group game was still level.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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In some ways, the grind from rookie minicamp to OTAs to training camp somewhat mirrors his own journey.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
After the high ankle sprain and torn ligaments, she was cleared to return to practice in three months.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
12 May 2026
-
In the first two years under Canales, the Panthers have only had two QBs on the active roster and have kept an additional one on the practice squad — the team opting to use the additional game day slot for an extra lineman, or defender, or someone who can contribute on special teams.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Wharton’s ability to punch the ball into attacking areas from deep is the skill that sets him apart.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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In late February, animal rights activists flew a drone over a calf ranch in the Central Valley and watched as workers kicked and punched the animals.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drill. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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