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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of drill
Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Once his former position coach, Eric Koehler, located him on the sideline, Koehler paused individual drills for him and the current crop of U tight ends to dap him up.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
There’s nothing wrong with a big-league ballplayer getting sick and tired of being drilled over and over and over by the same team.
—Steve Buckley, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drill
Noun
Those adjustments include Jacobson introducing drop-step drills to help Maton with his posture and get his body moving toward the plate better, rather than being so rotational.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Once his former position coach, Eric Koehler, located him on the sideline, Koehler paused individual drills for him and the current crop of U tight ends to dap him up.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
Gets drilled up high in the wrist his second at-bat and then third one takes a good swing and then throws the next one head-high.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
There’s nothing wrong with a big-league ballplayer getting sick and tired of being drilled over and over and over by the same team.
—Steve Buckley, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drill
Noun
-
Motivated Mars activates your 6th House of Well-being as of today, motivating you to reconfigure routines and direct your formidable focus toward the tasks that truly count.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Yet increasingly, grooms and partners of all genders are also participating in pre-wedding body modification—whether through weight loss, cosmetic treatments, or elaborate grooming routines.—
Sara Radin,
Vogue,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Authorities later executed multiple search warrants and collected items from the home, including exercise bands, medications, electronic devices, notebooks, clothing and a knife.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The crew capsule is vastly improved compared with its Apollo equivalent, the Command Module, with about 60% more habitable space and amenities such as a toilet and exercise machine.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Michigan won its first men’s title since 1989, defeating UConn 69-63 in a defensive grind while making just two three-pointers all night.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
-
And then the city snapped back and became an even more aggressive grind than in 2019.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The one-on-one matchups between the two have felt like cinema and normally draw most of the eyeballs during practice.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 2026
-
If trends persist, a third and fourth quarterback will be added to the room for training camp, and then only two will be on the active 53-man roster, with another taking up a practice squad roster spot.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Welch has assisted with the training.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The decision meant companies could easily bill for what are known as peer support services, which are designed to help clients follow a treatment plan; these can be provided by staff who complete a 30-hour training course.—
Alex Acquisto,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drill. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
