as in grind
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity
learned the rote for the exercise warm-up but not the reasoning behind it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in routine
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 rote
Gina Chua, semafor.com, 22 Aug. 2025
For the first time in a long time, Notre Dame enters a season where winning a national title doesn’t feel like a rote talking point.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Alison Barretta, PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 2025
Unlike in a million rote and gritty thrillers of yore, there is no scarcity of love in this picture.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rote
Noun
Much of the immediate thinking about how generative AI will disrupt industries has focused on gaining efficiencies or taking away rote work.
—Gina Chua, semafor.com, 22 Aug. 2025
For the first time in a long time, Notre Dame enters a season where winning a national title doesn’t feel like a rote talking point.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Both automations worked as intended without any major hiccups, which bodes well for freelancers who want to reduce rote tasks.
—Alison Barretta, PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 2025
Unlike in a million rote and gritty thrillers of yore, there is no scarcity of love in this picture.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rote
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rote
Noun
-
His illness has limited him to light catch play over the past few days, and the shift in plans meant some slight alterations to his routine, which Ireton ran through with club security.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Afterall, your beauty routine should grow with you—just like confidence, wisdom, and self-love.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
While the Irish Open was snubbed from this latest National Open status upgrade wave, the golf-mad nation’s key event remains a highlight on the DP World Tour calendar, with venues that as usual stir a bit of wanderlust among golf travelers.—
Mike Dojc,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
In Colorado, the aspens should offer good viewing from September through mid-October, though dry conditions may cause leaves to drop a bit earlier than usual, according to AccuWeather.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Chelsea have mastered the art of the consistent grind.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Raleigh, like most catchers, is getting worn down by the grind of a long season.—
John Perrotto,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
His analysis of Paqueta’s performances in the four games under scrutiny was that his fouls were simply typical of an attacking midfielder trying — not very successfully — to help his team defensively.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Temperatures will be slightly cooler over the fire today, with winds outside of thunderstorm gusts being typical diurnal winds.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Yet the player was able to use data to his own advantage to show that his behaviour in these fixtures was not out of the ordinary.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
-
If troops in our capital feel ordinary, then so do other abuses.—
Aron Solomon
September 3,
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
An unimaginative offseason and years of poor drafting left had them no choice.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
27 Aug. 2025
-
The world of streetwear, expensive sneakers and sweatshirts is an unimaginative and dreary place.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
The impressive organizational elements also make this option stand out when compared to standard purses.—
Rachel Trujillo,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
-
An article from the American Kennel Club (AKC) stated that mini dachshunds weigh about 11 pounds or under, and the standard size is, on average, 16 to 32 pounds.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Many automakers returned to advertising during the NFL season last year as vehicle inventory levels returned to more normal levels.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Her therapist – who Heming Willis accidentally referred to her as her own caregiver – explained how normal these feelings were.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rote. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share