routine 1 of 2

noun

rü-ˈtēn How to pronounce routine (audio)
Definition of routinenext
1
as in grind
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity part of my morning routine is drinking a cup of coffee while reading the newspaper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in exercise
something done over and over in order to develop skill a weapons training routine

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3
as in act
a performance regularly presented by an individual or group did a tired routine that's been around since the days of vaudeville

Synonyms & Similar Words

routine

2 of 2

adjective

rü-ˈtēn How to pronounce routine (audio)
1
as in normal
being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events this is just a routine inspection

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in formal
following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules the routine procedure for filing a complaint with the board

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in usual
often observed or encountered the movie is a routine thriller that has little to recommend it

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 routine
Noun
Once considered a superfluous step, face mists have since become a more purposeful—and enjoyable—part of our skin care routines. — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026 His daily routine consists of a physical therapy session with Alex Mendez and two-a-day workouts at Draft Academy. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
It is best used as part of a nourishing multi-step skincare routine that includes a ceramide-rich moisturiser, but more on that below. — Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 And if his judgment is correct, the Royals would be in the perfect position to make the routine play. — Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for routine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for routine
  1. grind
  2. exercise
  3. act
  4. normal
  5. formal
  6. usual
  7. rut
  8. practice
Noun
  • His daily grind — and conventional wardrobe — express his midlife rut and marital stagnation.
    — Fawnia Soo Hoo, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Holly Marie Combs is through with the Hollywood grind — at least for now.
    — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of grind
Noun
  • Those payloads give crews a visible way to assess where training rockets land during live-fire exercises.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The potential benefits may also extend beyond a single workout for leaders who maintain a consistent exercise practice.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of exercise
Noun
  • The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Here below, France’s own long-drink-of-water goalie Robin Risser does his best Beckham follow-on act with a stately Louis Vuitton carry-all with their trademark leather trim at the stress points.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of act
Adjective
  • Some artists who do Bowl shows with the LA Phil or its sister symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, run through something close to their normal set and require whoever is assigned to do the orchestrations to follow suit.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In the first two years alone, over 600 workers exceeded the normal safety limit of 50 mSv per year.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of normal
Adjective
  • Early acting career Although Turner had no formal training, his raw talent soon caught the eye of several television directors.
    — L. Sue Baugh, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • When the Soviet Union collapsed, NATO lost its formal justification.
    — JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of formal
Adjective
  • Immediately, Zack-Carlos goes back to reasserting his presence in the house, eager to stay as long as possible and be his usual insufferable self.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • For cats that need a larger calorie reduction, Yeo said a veterinary weight-management diet may be safer than simply serving much less of their usual food because it is formulated to provide adequate nutrients with fewer calories.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of usual
Noun
  • The deer’s neck was swollen both from the rut and from having to support the monstrous rack.
    — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The rut was so deep that four Bills went onto the field to repair it.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of rut
Noun
  • Though none of the players who were cut seriously threatened for spots, a few should return to the practice squad.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Though interest in peptides is popular in certain wellness circles, including with podcasters like Joe Rogan, many of those who are seeking alternative medicine or who are going back to traditional cultural practices don’t fit the MAHA archetype.
    — Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of practice

Browse Nearby Words

routeways
routine
routinely
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Cite this Entry

“Routine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/routine. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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