dry runs

plural of dry run
as in rehearsals
a private performance or session in preparation for a public appearance we had time for just one dry run of the play before opening night

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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 dry runs These were dry runs for similar maneuvers that were essential for the subsequent lunar landings of the Apollo program. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026 Israel has intermittently launched such long-range airstrikes since July 2024, after a Houthi drone hit Tel Aviv, in combat missions that, especially in retrospect, served as dry runs for the June air war against Iran. — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dry runs
rehearsals
Noun
  • These two took a trip to New York City for rehearsals this week, since Guillermo is there for his day job.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Trump in August scaled back a major military exercise with South Korea in an apparent effort to restart diplomacy with Kim, who has condemned such drills as rehearsals for invasion.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dry runs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dry%20runs. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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