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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of drills
Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
In their game-deciding drives, the kind of two-minute drills franchise players produce, lies experience.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Following Pelosi's trip to Taiwan, China conducted live-fire military drills in response.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
There are two courts at the JAM Center practice facility, and Gwath went back and forth between them Thursday, doing strength and fitness work on one, then participating in non-contact drills on the other.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
These simple drills require no equipment and are effective for anyone — weekend warriors and elite athletes alike.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
In 2024, New York state banned realistic school lockdown drills, barring the use of props, actors, or simulations.
—Alana Semuels, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
Trump's order was widely criticized by nuclear scientists and nonproliferation experts, who said that Washington had little to gain from live drills, which would likely only embolden Moscow and Beijing.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2025
Monthly weekend drills for many reservists also have been canceled, eliminating a chunk of pay that can be several hundred dollars each month, military advocates said.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
Alana Semuels, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
If New England drills the Dolphins, head coach Mike McDaniel might not make it to Week 3.
—Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Parsons attended Cowboys practices during training camp but has not participated in any team drills.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2025
After sitting out of Saturday’s team drills with arm soreness, Sanders was a full participant at Monday’s practice, but Flacco took all of the first-team reps during the 11-on-11 portion, according to ESPN.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
In recent years, Beijing has ramped up pressure on the island, including near-daily military flights across the Taiwan Strait and large-scale drills simulating a blockade.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
In their game-deciding drives, the kind of two-minute drills franchise players produce, lies experience.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Following Pelosi's trip to Taiwan, China conducted live-fire military drills in response.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
There are two courts at the JAM Center practice facility, and Gwath went back and forth between them Thursday, doing strength and fitness work on one, then participating in non-contact drills on the other.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
These simple drills require no equipment and are effective for anyone — weekend warriors and elite athletes alike.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
In 2024, New York state banned realistic school lockdown drills, barring the use of props, actors, or simulations.
—Alana Semuels, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
Trump's order was widely criticized by nuclear scientists and nonproliferation experts, who said that Washington had little to gain from live drills, which would likely only embolden Moscow and Beijing.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2025
Monthly weekend drills for many reservists also have been canceled, eliminating a chunk of pay that can be several hundred dollars each month, military advocates said.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
The state also limited preseason contact drills to six hours total and banned spring and summer practices.
—Alana Semuels, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
If New England drills the Dolphins, head coach Mike McDaniel might not make it to Week 3.
—Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Parsons attended Cowboys practices during training camp but has not participated in any team drills.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2025
After sitting out of Saturday’s team drills with arm soreness, Sanders was a full participant at Monday’s practice, but Flacco took all of the first-team reps during the 11-on-11 portion, according to ESPN.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drills
Noun
-
From supporting overall wellness to preventing nutrient deficiencies, taking supplements is a cornerstone in many people’s health routines.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
10 Nov. 2025
-
As women start to progress through this period, their wellness routines might need modification to adequately manage symptoms and reflect the changing needs of their bodies.—
Olivia Lee,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Significant diplomatic and military visits followed, as well as Chinese support for Bangladesh’s involvement in naval exercises with Pakistan (a longtime Indian rival), Chinese defense technology transfers, and Chinese investment in infrastructure and economic zones.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
-
The music, perhaps accordingly, sometimes languishes in a middle zone of wistful genre exercises.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Upgrade your movie marathons, gaming grinds, and Sunday chill sessions with this gorgeous 50 inch Hisense 4K Smart TV.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 Oct. 2025
-
It’s finished with a generous sprinkling of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Unfortunately, Vinekar says that miscarriage risk is actually a major reason why prenatal practices won't schedule patients early on.—
NPR,
NPR,
11 Nov. 2025
-
For more than a decade, the show has advanced sustainable practices through a series of initiatives and by spotlighting green innovators.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Drills.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drills. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share