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
The Moon moves through practical Virgo, sharpening our eye for details, routines, and the small choices that make life easier. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Because of the trend’s rising popularity, dermatologists are warning others that the glass skin look may be unrealistic and the skincare routines behind it aren’t suitable for every skin type. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Accounting software can automate payroll and other routine tasks, giving you more time to focus on running your business. — Carson Brunson, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026 Retreats offer a structured environment to temporarily change diet and routine, and the microbiome can respond to those changes. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 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
  • In my eyes, Las Vegas looks like a postseason team, which means this tough, grind-it-out win could be something the Chiefs have to deal with not only two more times this season but for the foreseeable future.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026
  • During the long grind of an 82-game NBA regular season, the Heat’s hope is this players-only getaway marks the start of a successful year after missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2019.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of grind
Noun
  • Kjærvik said calming exercises, social support, group discussion, or other aspects of a retreat are more likely to explain why participants might feel calmer afterward than venting.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • With its multi-mission configuration and experience in military exercises and operational settings, Hunter WOLF will now face a further assessment of its capabilities at Camp Grafton.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of exercise
Noun
  • At one point, Soulan points out that the crime of fuel-smuggling is minor compared to the barons profiting off the very same — and shouldn’t the motivation, the practical outcome of the act, count for something?
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The high-wire act that followed—in which performers had to make these bland conceits into something funny without, ostensibly, preparing any jokes in advance—introduced a tension that made sketch shows feel sedate and uneven by comparison.
    — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of act
Adjective
  • The prototype was tested on one construction worker during normal activities, including movement, breaks, drinking water and eating.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In a normal year, most MLB teams would already be looking toward next year at this point in the season, as only a few teams remain alive.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of normal
Adjective
  • In one of those roles, the chair assembled a formal transition committee that met with me throughout my first six months.
    — Anna Maria Chavez, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • This most recent collection from McCartney features a massive array of differing styles ranging from casual to chic and formal, with Stern’s choice of the elegant bodice an excellent one for the Albie Awards.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of formal
Adjective
  • The products were Park Hyatt’s usual—delicious-smelling La Labo toiletries.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • There’s deals on makeup, too, like the Ilia Limitless Mascara at 20% off for just $23 compared to its usual $30.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of usual
Noun
  • The housing market has been stuck in a rut this year in large part because of rising mortgage rates, which can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting homebuyers’ purchasing power and prompting many to put off buying a home.
    — Alex Veiga, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Visitors who look closely can still see wagon ruts left by thousands of wagons that carried people and trade goods.
    — Michelle Griego, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of rut
Noun
  • At one point during Thursday’s 45-minute open practice/scrimmage situation, KU head coach Bill Self corrected Rosario for passing instead of taking the open 3-pointer.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The plaintiff argues those practices reduced competition among restaurants and led customers to pay higher prices.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 9 Oct. 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 13 Oct. 2026.

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