exercises 1 of 2

plural of exercise
1
as in practices
something done over and over in order to develop skill a young piano student dutifully going through the standard finger exercises

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in uses
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exercises

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of exercise
1
as in exerts
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 drills
to do over and over so as to become skilled the only way to exercise your writing skills is to do more writing

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
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 exercises
Noun
An easy way to keep your bones strong is doing weight-bearing exercises. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 July 2026 The site is structured specifically to transition complex hardware designs into standardized mass-production exercises. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026 Aleman appeared intoxicated and failed field sobriety exercises. Mark Price july 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026 His 45- to 60-minute workouts combine high-repetition weight training with hundreds of core exercises designed to maintain strength, mobility and muscle tone while avoiding unnecessary bulk. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 15 July 2026 Unlike isolated gym exercises, soccer naturally integrates these elements in a dynamic and enjoyable environment. Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026 The exercises grew increasingly complex, with teams conducting drills inside buildings and responding to continuous emergency alerts. Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026 The actions to date are little more than whack-a-mole exercises as the operators simply replace their botnets with new ones. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026 Stoking fears The test also reflected Beijing's determination to project power over its neighbors, analysts said, despite the scrutiny and alarm from regional powers such exercises almost immediately set off. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Verb
Lamine Yamal also complained about the readaptation exercises he was given after suffering a groin injury, but the situation blew up when Raphinha suffered multiple setbacks from a hamstring injury in October. Pol Ballús, New York Times, 10 July 2026 Hezbollah maintains its own paramilitary force and exercises significant political influence, giving it authority that the Lebanese government has struggled to dismantle on its own. Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 In China, the central government exercises extensive oversight of universities and can steer academic priorities through national policy and funding decisions. Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Public power, meaning the authority government exercises on behalf of the people, does not originate with the president. Stephanie A, The Conversation, 22 June 2026 Zellweger gained nearly 20 pounds to play the character, who drinks often and exercises intermittently. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 June 2026 But Collins, who's been in the upper chamber since 1997 and exercises significant power as chair of the Appropriations Committee, has fended off a number of challenges from Democrats in previous cycles, including in 2020 when Joe Biden won the state. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 9 June 2026 If LaVine exercises his $49 million player option for next season, the Kings are projected to have a team payroll of about $225 million, which would put them well over the NBA’s luxury tax threshold of $201 million and above the second apron of $222 million. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026 The vessel is expected to participate in the upcoming Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercises off the coast of Hawaii later this year. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exercises
Noun
  • Similar to practices like Tai Chi, MAHP is designed to help reduce stress, improve physical ease, support mobility, and encourage emotional balance.
    Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • It is built over thousands of practices, countless conversations, and hundreds of decisions that few people outside a team will ever notice.
    Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • Then there’s KeraFactor, a no-needle synthetic peptide complex, which is ideal after transplant surgeries, among other uses.
    Ramona Saviss, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
  • Nearly half of all mall redevelopments now include at least three different uses on one site, and roughly the same share include housing, according to JLL research reported by ICSC.
    Arthur Zackiewicz, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Although the Florida Bar continues to make recommendations, the governor exerts significant influence over those recommendations.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • Viewed from a distance, the pressure AI exerts on human artists appears as part of an evolutionary process that far predates its own invention.
    Tim Brinkhof, Time, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The same concern applies to optical surfaces, such as eyeglasses and camera lenses.
    Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 July 2026
  • The temporary pause applies to data centers requiring 50 megawatts or more of power while the state develops a new regulatory framework.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • He becomes increasingly consumed by the otherworldly dimension, which alarms his therapist, Mary (Renate Reinsve).
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
  • The focal point of escalating concern is oldest son Jeremy (Edik Beddoes) whose increasingly erratic behavior alarms those around him, not only for his safety but others as well.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Splash, a nonprofit organization founded in 1999, works with cities and school districts to teach kids about science through hands-on lessons and field trips.
    Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
  • As America marks its 250th anniversary — and confronts deep political divisions — Kristen asked her what lessons our history may hold for this moment.
    NBC news, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • That material would act as a physical barrier between separate coating applications, preventing adhesion failures when the coatings overlap.
    Maura Judkis, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
  • The company also suggests that compact nuclear systems could reduce dependence on diesel generators and help lower greenhouse gas emissions in off-grid applications.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Loose-leaf tea also utilizes larger grounds and leaf particles, which prevent the tea from deteriorating as quickly as similar bagged options.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • This marks the first time the company utilizes projection mapping onto moving figures and objects.
    Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exercises.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exercises. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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