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
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Recent Examples of drills
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
She’s been practicing in London, really only doing static drills, to be out on the practice court and moving and playing games.
—The Athletic Tennis Staff, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
The Hawks ran some shootout drills to close their morning skate.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Couldn’t do any [defensive back] drills, couldn’t do certain stuff.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
Xi’s message to Taiwan came after the People’s Liberation Army’s concluded its most expansive drills around the island democracy in decades.
—Bloomberg, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
Taipei condemned the drills as a threat to regional security and a blatant provocation.
—Reuters, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025
Tensions with China worsen The flap with Beijing escalated in December when Chinese aircraft locked their radars, considered possible preparation for firing missiles, on Japanese planes during Chinese aircraft carrier drills near southwestern Japan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
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
Ryan Gaydos , Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 16 Nov. 2025
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
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
Players use it for precision drills and reaction training.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
She’s been practicing in London, really only doing static drills, to be out on the practice court and moving and playing games.
—The Athletic Tennis Staff, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
The Hawks ran some shootout drills to close their morning skate.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Couldn’t do any [defensive back] drills, couldn’t do certain stuff.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
Xi’s message to Taiwan came after the People’s Liberation Army’s concluded its most expansive drills around the island democracy in decades.
—Bloomberg, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
Taipei condemned the drills as a threat to regional security and a blatant provocation.
—Reuters, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025
Tensions with China worsen The flap with Beijing escalated in December when Chinese aircraft locked their radars, considered possible preparation for firing missiles, on Japanese planes during Chinese aircraft carrier drills near southwestern Japan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
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
Verb
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
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
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
-
The headset provides real-time feedback based on brain activity, allowing users to adjust their play or training routines accordingly.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Comfort and familiarity are also gaining importance, with guests bringing routines along and seeking experiences that feel both relaxing and enriching.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
These exercises are key to a long health span as well as lifespan.—
Gretchen Reynolds,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.—
Laura Dorwart,
Verywell Health,
7 Jan. 2026
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
-
Eco effort Currently working on its Green Globe certification, the ASEAN Green Hotel Award and the Hanoi City Green Energy Award are just two recent accolades the hotel picked up for its sustainability practices.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Death, fear, and sorrow unify the disparate practices.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drills.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drills. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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