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
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Recent Examples of drill
Sam Meredith, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
As Flagg jogged from one side of the court to the other, Kyrie Irving participated in a shooting drill with fellow point guards Brandon Williams and Tyus Jones under the instruction of Mavericks assistant coach Phil Handy.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026
In response, Hodges leaned on the same explanation his agency had relied on for months, blaming the company that drilled her water well.
—Nick Bowlin, The Frontier, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drill
Noun
The Islamic Republic has conducted military drills in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in recent days, as well as joint naval drills with Russia in the Gulf of Oman, also known as the Sea of Oman.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
As Flagg jogged from one side of the court to the other, Kyrie Irving participated in a shooting drill with fellow point guards Brandon Williams and Tyus Jones under the instruction of Mavericks assistant coach Phil Handy.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
Fox drilled a game-winning 3-pointer to defeat Team Stars.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026
In response, Hodges leaned on the same explanation his agency had relied on for months, blaming the company that drilled her water well.
—Nick Bowlin, The Frontier, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drill
Noun
-
The best way to keep your shower mold-free is to stick to a weekly cleaning routine that consists of wiping down the surface with cleaners and wiping the shower dry after each use.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The Loneliest Man is much more observational, following Cook through the creeping day-to-day routine of transforming his existence.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Fort Stewart exercise represents an early step in that process.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
-
On tour, Weir’s exercise gear, including resistance ropes, took up so much space in the bus that others on the tour had to stash their luggage in their own bunks.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The grind of another long season will determine if that’s true.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The base of the ski will be prepared with various grinds that respond to various snow conditions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Run by the international Caravane Earth Foundation, this agricultural initiative has brought together global experts to research farming methodologies that combine traditional practices with innovation.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Operation Breadbasket fought against discriminatory hiring practices and aimed to help African-American workers with employment growth.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Staff football matches at the Carrington training ground became very regular and very fierce.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Concerned by deadly encounters between protesters and federal officers in Minnesota, the church coalition has also organized training sessions on safety and nonviolence, including de-escalation tactics.—
Caitlin Hu,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drill. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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