GROOVES Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

grooves 1 of 2

noun

plural of groove

as in routines

an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity I can't get into the groove on Monday morning without a cup of coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in places

a situation or activity for which a person or thing is best suited after years of bouncing from job to job, she discovered that her natural groove was social work

Synonyms & Similar Words

grooves

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of groove

as in files

to mark with or as if with a line or groove if you groove that piece of wood, we should be able to fit this smaller board into it

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in blends

to form a pleasing relationship surprisingly, his flighty, artistic sensibility and her no-nonsense practicality groove together rather well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 grooves

Noun

On his first appearance for Peak Oil, the Mancunian producer animates foreboding, percussive bass music with tricky details and Escherian grooves. — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 Bacteria can hide in these small components, ridges, and grooves. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 25 July 2026 Last night, its extended section stretched to 16 minutes, built on deep, psychedelic grooves and the foursome’s remarkable instrumental interplay. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 23 July 2026 Its irregularities, grooves, nicks, and pockmarks heightened, rather than disturbed, the tranquillity of the space. — Literary Hub, 22 July 2026 Four Tet’s sense for sound design shines from crushed 8-bit drums to the hypnotic handpan grooves and sharp synth melodies. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 19 July 2026 The collection’s foldable mirror has a frame with grooves for holding your favorite photos. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026 Heavy on grooves and jams, this album sometimes feels unfocused and indulgent. — Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026 Buyers will be able to tailor the interior with exclusive leather, Alcantara, and a choice of Comfort or Racing seats, both featuring six vertical grooves as a subtle nod to the six-speed layout. — New Atlas, 10 July 2026

Verb

But when Las Vegas’s the Killers traded in the Anglophilia and new wave nostalgia of 2004’s Hot Fuss for the E Street Band grooves and Americana imagery of Sam’s Town, fans and critics were divided. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 29 June 2026 Food particles and microorganisms can become trapped in the nicks, grooves, and scratches on the board. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 28 June 2026 Why are there currently rappers from Orlando and Virginia assimilating mid-2000s NYC litefeet grooves into their sound? — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026 So, let’s close out Night 2 with a big helping of soulful island reggae grooves from Maui’s Maoli on the HelloFresh Stage. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 13 May 2026 Cruz grooves onstage with the mystique of a natural rock star — this could well be her ultimate Hall of Fame moment. — Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026 Chops, gouges, wounds it like the shadow grooves on the sidewalks—the sun is setting earlier. — Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026 After centuries of use, the board bore grooves and marks left by real human hands moving real pieces across its surface. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026 Bar Tab Dan Stahl grooves to a cover band in melting-pot midtown. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grooves

Noun

Hyperice and Nike worked with Dutch soccer star Virgil van Dijk and American track athlete Tara Woodhall on the project because their recovery routines fit the Hyperslide ethos.

— Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
That means spicules won’t be sold as a standalone hack for long — they’ll be positioned inside routines that also repair the environment the skin needs to function.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of routines

Noun

Donations can help raise awareness of historic structures and places across Colorado, structures similar to the Cherry Creek Arch Bridge.

— Karen Leigh, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Private buildings can restrict both open and concealed carry by posting proper signage — but polling places are considered public places.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of places

Verb

If the prosecution files a motion for summary disposition, the presiding judge — Hippler, in Kohberger’s case — will likely schedule a hearing.

— Alex Brizee July 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
The company, which files an annual report in Sweden under the name Eriksson Bros AB, has yet to release its most recent disclosure.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of files

Verb

In short, the specific backgrounds of the top candidates will be less important than their ability to lead a modernized hockey operations department that cohesively blends scouting, player development, and every other element.

— Max Bultman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Their music blends hip-hop with rock, funk and jazz, backed by live instruments and lyrics that shift between humor, social commentary and philosophy.

— Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of blends

Noun

Neptune retrograde in Aries commences on this day, urging us to break out of our emotional and professional ruts and to reignite our dreams.

— Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Wet soil is also prone to compaction from the weight of the mower, which may leave ruts in the yard.

— Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 June 2026

Definition of ruts

Noun

To enable this proliferation of nature on its surface, the skin of the building is covered with pockmarks and niches that provide space for soil, water, plants, and animals.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026
For developers, student housing has become one of the apartment industry’s most attractive niches because leasing follows a predictable academic calendar and demand renews every school year.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Definition of niches

Verb

But as his guitar scratches away at Stewart’s velvet synths and glances off Mitchell’s drums, sing Reilly does.

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
Preparing for a college football Saturday with ACC Network scratches the same gameplanning itch for Fisher that used to take up his time during his more than three decades as a coach.

— David Ubben, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of scratches

Noun

Tableside dishes are a highlight, including a seasonal classic Greek salad and mouthwatering whole branzino baked in a coffee-grinds and sea-salt crust, then expertly deboned and served to perfection.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
In a measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, chives, dill and garlic powder; season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper.

— Emily Weinstein, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026