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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Research also shows that people confide in a friendly character more than a plain tool, sharing moods, routines, relationships and preferences. — Ankolika De, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026 For her, these are the areas where the home truly comes to life and where the design directly interacts with the family’s daily routine. — Bettina Krause, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
Under her plan, private insurers would continue administering policies and handling routine claims, while the new program would assume the disaster risk. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 Meanwhile, neurotechnology companies are bringing brain monitoring and stimulation into specialist clinics and at-home devices, hoping to make cognitive fitness as routine as going to the gym. — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 3 Nov. 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
  • Mike Macdonald’s defense can turn this into a grind, and Chicago could be short-handed in the backfield with Kyle Monangai banged up with thumb and toe injuries.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Kansas City responds in an old-school, grind-it-out divisional game to get back on track.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of grind
Noun
  • Because people are born with those high levels, diet and exercise have no effect.
    — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Half the group took part in an eight-week lifestyle education course on diet, exercise and stress.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of exercise
Noun
  • While sharing little in common with dueling-guitar acts such as the Allman Brothers Band or ’70s contemporaries the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, Television also drew its power from the preternatural rapport between Verlaine and Lloyd’s instruments.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Demand for grading — an act of verifying a card’s authenticity and condition — has grown as collectors increasingly treat trading and vintage sports cards as alternative investments.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of act
Adjective
  • There’s no telling how long these discounts will last, so be sure to find the one that fits your cleaning needs before prices return to normal.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The latest Santa Ana wind event moving through Southern California will peak Saturday, but higher-than-normal temperatures and elevated fire risk will remain through next week.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of normal
Adjective
  • The system produced a mathematical proof that was accepted by Lean, a proof-assistant software used to check the logical correctness of formal mathematical arguments.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The Paris Police Prefecture denied numerous formal requests for permits allowing protests in various areas of the city, citing October riots that led to thousands of arrests and violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of formal
Adjective
  • Breakfast is à la carte, with all the usual suspects, including shakshuka and avocado toast, and silver pots filled with high-octane coffee.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • So, the high-scoring Lakers just had to play to their usual effort.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of usual
Noun
  • Pull All-Day Sits Differently During the rut, a lot of deer hunters choose to do all-day sits.
    — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 4 Nov. 2026
  • During the rut, bucks seek out does that are ready to breed, and the amorous pursuit can be intense.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of rut
Noun
  • Out of practice and endurance, Dylan’s voice is fraying and weak.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Cooks in the Farm-to-Fork capital can choose between organic turkeys, heritage breeds with more dark meat and complex flavors, and poultry raised using regenerative agricultural practices which protect soil health.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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