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
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
Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dry runs
Noun
-
Greene leads rehearsals once a week until show time, with cast members running lines, practicing choreography and more.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The video was created using behind-the-scenes footage from tour rehearsals and Swift's experience with her dancers and other crew members on the road.—
Michael Nied,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The White House has floated a goal of 3,000 daily ICE arrests, raising concerns among advocates who say such quotas encourage indiscriminate enforcement practices and undermine due process protections.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
According to Global Canopy’s Forest500 rankings, only 3% of companies that produce commodities that contribute to deforestation--including beef, leather, palm oil, pulp and paper, soy, timber, cocoa, rubber, and coffee--have strong commitments and practices to reduce forest clearing.—
Marianne Krasny,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
However, there are others who believe Friday is around $35M (including previews), with a $60M-plus weekend in store.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
13 Sep. 2025
-
There are previews for the top Week 3 games, plus a complete schedule.—
Staff report,
Oc Register,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dry runs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dry%20runs. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share