exercise 1 of 2

Definition of exercisenext
1
2
as in practice
something done over and over in order to develop skill a young piano student dutifully going through the standard finger exercises

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3
as in use
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose the observation that the best exercise for losing weight is the exercise of one's ability to say no to food

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exercise

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to exert
to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively a senator who consistently exercises his clout in Congress to get pork barrel projects for his state

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2
as in to practice
to do over and over so as to become skilled the only way to exercise your writing skills is to do more writing

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3
as in to use
to put into action or service commended the firefighters for exercising really good judgment in that emergency

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

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 exercise
Noun
Less Anxiety and Stress Research supports the idea that regular exercise can improve mental health and well-being—including leg training, Carbone said. Allison Forsyth, Health, 17 Feb. 2026 Traffic through the strait was suspended for several hours Tuesday as the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRCG) held naval exercises, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
Still, simply being aware of the benefits doesn’t always translate into sticking to a resolution to exercise more, day in and day out. Leying Tang, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026 Some people would spend their time gardening, volunteering, painting, exercising, or learning. Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exercise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exercise
Noun
  • However, because the 2028 Summer Olympics activities are being planned near the beach, the awards were moved to Hollywood's Palladium for the first time in 32 years.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Boston City Hall helped kick off Lunar New Year celebrations Sunday with dragon and lion dances, music and more, a celebration the city will continue with a number of events and activities to ring in the Year of the Horse over the coming weeks.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Run by the international Caravane Earth Foundation, this agricultural initiative has brought together global experts to research farming methodologies that combine traditional practices with innovation.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Operation Breadbasket fought against discriminatory hiring practices and aimed to help African-American workers with employment growth.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Unidos and the handful of other local groups training observers last year adopted tactics that proved effective elsewhere, including the use of whistles to alert neighborhood residents to the presence of ICE agents.
    Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Once the elite athletes have been identified, they are helped to fulfil their potential in programs that utilize cutting edge knowledge, science and technology, including the functional use of psychology.
    Don Riddell, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Outside Iran, Gulf states are exerting intense pressure to prevent regional war.
    Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Under a dual-class structure that gives Musk super-voting shares, the billionaire would establish a bulwark against activist shareholders exerting changes at the company against his wishes.
    Ryan Gould, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The task force is now applying that same regional coordination model to World Cup preparations.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • For nails and hair On the hair, rosehip oil can be applied to the ends, preferably diluted with a carrier oil like argon oil, to add shine and help control frizz.
    Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The man himself might have argued forcefully that the one didn’t prove the other, that many Muslims in his hometown never bothered to circumcise their children.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
  • But only part of that really bothered the Florida Department of Health about Sidney Moritz, once known as Sandy Montano.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • To win an Olympic gold medal is the stuff of elite athletes’ dreams, the culmination of years of arduous training, extreme physical exertion and grueling qualifying competitions.
    Patricia Mazzei, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to be fit and intelligent, seeking out tasks that require physical and mental exertion.
    Brett Tingley, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Staff football matches at the Carrington training ground became very regular and very fierce.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Concerned by deadly encounters between protesters and federal officers in Minnesota, the church coalition has also organized training sessions on safety and nonviolence, including de-escalation tactics.
    Caitlin Hu, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exercise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exercise. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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