routine 1 of 2

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

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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

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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
Incorporate microneedling and radio frequency more regularly into your routine. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2025 Family and friends can help pets by sticking to daily routines and maintaining consistency, offering extra attention, and providing mentally stimulating toys. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
For undocumented immigrants, families with mixed immigration status or anyone who might otherwise be concerned about drawing the attention of immigration enforcement agents, such routine interactions have become more fraught. Calmatters, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2025 The policy prohibits routine meals and says food purchases must serve a business purpose, such as recognition events or emergency operations. Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for routine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for routine
Noun
  • This mental grind intensified during his time in the NFL’s IPP program.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The mental grind of having to go through the rehab process a second time was agonizing.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • The right exercise for you depends on your age, health, fitness level, and preference.
    Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The take-home message isn’t that exercise doesn’t matter.
    Jamie Ducharme, Health, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Sometimes, a performer sings and manipulates the puppet, but groups can perform, with each member focusing on one piece of the act.
    Ryan Garza, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Morgan told my colleague Erin Jensen that her own children have long been subjects of her comedy act, especially during their elementary school years.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As climate extremes become the new normal and other demand pressures rise, modernizing grid components with U.S.-made technology is essential.
    Shaun Walsh, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Your body then releases a hormone called insulin to help bring your blood sugar levels back down to normal.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement Johnson at a ceremonial signing on July 3 for Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending bill.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
  • During the main event of the outing, the Stand-Up Parade for Number 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, the King had the honor of presenting the Squadron with their standard (another name for ceremonial flag) to recognize the unit re-forming.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The other Sisters and senior novices—including Sister Yoshi—would go out on their usual factory chaperone duties with their student groups after the dismissal of the chōrei assembly.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The band pivoted away from its usual production partners, and instead linked up with indie powerhouse Catherine Marks, who recently won a Grammy for her production on Boygenius’ 2023 album The Record.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • With the playoff race beginning to take shape, the Revolution are in a rut with 11 games remaining.
    Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 20 July 2025
  • Washington fired its manager, Dave Martinez (and longtime general manager Mike Rizzo), on Sunday, shaking up a franchise that has been in a rut since winning the 2019 World Series.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Their report scrutinized the foundation’s financial practices, particularly its practice of taking a hefty cut of the donations made to student clubs to pay for general funds and foundation administrative costs.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
  • During practices, players engage in live tackling, a rare occurrence in today’s modern NFL.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Routine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/routine. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

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