1
as in routines
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 punches
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 shoots
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 drills
Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
The dangers of his work mean his crew undergoes regular safety drills to prepare for potential attacks.
—ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026
Even with Malachi Toney held out of 11 on 11 work and Joshua Moore sidelined after getting banged up in 1 on 1 drills earlier in the day, UM receivers consistently demonstrated a combination of speed, skilled route running and soft hands.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
Through regular readiness drills, business continuity planning, and cross-department collaboration, employees are trained to respond effectively to many types of natural disasters.
—Cox Communications, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
Spurlock teared up as the words were read to her, the sound of drills from working dealership mechanics providing perfect background noise.
—Pj Green
april 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026
The drills will take place among EU ambassadors in Brussels and then at a defense ministers’ meeting in May in Cyprus, the official said.
—Andrea Palasciano, Bloomberg, 17 Apr. 2026
From competition drills to full-contact team periods, the players and coaches loved every bit of the action.
—Gabriel Duarte, Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026
Beijing has escalated military drills around Taiwan in recent years.
—Ashish Valentine, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Skeleton drills with rags hanging from their shorts.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
Pitchers throw every day in season between competition days, bullpens, flat ground sessions and box drills off of an incline from 35 feet out.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Another Arsenal goal kick and Raya, after a customary bit of stud cleaning, drills the ball long.
—Stuart James, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Wingo and Mosley are both recovering from some nagging injuries suffered during 2025 and haven’t fully participated in offseason team drills.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
As the First Platoon commander for Gallatin's Navy JROTC , Nathan trains and drills more than 25 junior cadets during the school day and after hours.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Feb. 2026
Everette, who with punter Brett Thorson and long snapper Beau Gardner are the former Bulldogs competing in Senior Bowl drills this week, is adjusting to life after Georgia football.
—Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Every college and pro coach drills the same message into their players’ heads, nothing good happens after midnight.
—Ryan Gaydos , Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 16 Nov. 2025
Noun
Gamble put her players through a series of drills to test their stamina, quickness and technique.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
The dangers of his work mean his crew undergoes regular safety drills to prepare for potential attacks.
—ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026
Even with Malachi Toney held out of 11 on 11 work and Joshua Moore sidelined after getting banged up in 1 on 1 drills earlier in the day, UM receivers consistently demonstrated a combination of speed, skilled route running and soft hands.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
Through regular readiness drills, business continuity planning, and cross-department collaboration, employees are trained to respond effectively to many types of natural disasters.
—Cox Communications, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
Spurlock teared up as the words were read to her, the sound of drills from working dealership mechanics providing perfect background noise.
—Pj Green
april 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026
The drills will take place among EU ambassadors in Brussels and then at a defense ministers’ meeting in May in Cyprus, the official said.
—Andrea Palasciano, Bloomberg, 17 Apr. 2026
From competition drills to full-contact team periods, the players and coaches loved every bit of the action.
—Gabriel Duarte, Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026
Beijing has escalated military drills around Taiwan in recent years.
—Ashish Valentine, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
The van’s speakers played a high-volume mashup of construction sounds, Jordan Peterson lectures, Marine Corps drills, and mumbling voices.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Skeleton drills with rags hanging from their shorts.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
Pitchers throw every day in season between competition days, bullpens, flat ground sessions and box drills off of an incline from 35 feet out.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Another Arsenal goal kick and Raya, after a customary bit of stud cleaning, drills the ball long.
—Stuart James, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Wingo and Mosley are both recovering from some nagging injuries suffered during 2025 and haven’t fully participated in offseason team drills.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
As the First Platoon commander for Gallatin's Navy JROTC , Nathan trains and drills more than 25 junior cadets during the school day and after hours.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Feb. 2026
Everette, who with punter Brett Thorson and long snapper Beau Gardner are the former Bulldogs competing in Senior Bowl drills this week, is adjusting to life after Georgia football.
—Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Every college and pro coach drills the same message into their players’ heads, nothing good happens after midnight.
—Ryan Gaydos , Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 16 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drills
Noun
-
Families of the district’s more than 390,000 students are reeling with the prospect of life routines thrown into days of uncertainty.—
Nicole Macias Garibay,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
So don't forget to eat right, exercise and maintain beneficial routines.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rivera was able to complete 10 out of the 14 exercises without quitting, impressing the Father Stu star.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
-
As falls experts, physical and occupational therapists are uniquely trained to assess each person’s fall risk and develop a plan to help improve their mobility with balance training, strength exercises, and other interventions far before a fall occurs.—
Brian Frost,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This is perfect for a small household that just needs enough grinds for one pot of coffee at a time.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
-
After using your coffee maker, clean the basin where the grinds go as well as the coffee pot using warm, soapy water.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The new Lewis House will improve inclusivity and accessibility features supporting people of all physical abilities, genders and cultural practices.—
Elliot Mann,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
-
This refers to mindful practices.—
Helen Dennis,
Daily News,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drills.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drills. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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