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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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
  • The global superstar, a member of girl group Blackpink, speaks on the phone from rehearsals.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Wood kicked off his rehearsals with Arnold by calling his friend Milo Manheim, a DWTS season 27 finalist and the future star of Disney’s live-action remake of Tangled.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dry runs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dry%20runs. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!