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
Ahead, experts share their best advice for every step of the woman over 50’s skin-care routine, along with the best products for every job. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 In the evening, keep a predictable wind-down routine and try not to offer screens before bedtime. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Officers conducting a routine security screening at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) uncovered a chilling object that seemed straight out of a horror movie. — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 But rebooting continuity or creating all-new universes from scratch, while fine tactics for giving newcomers an on-ramp, have become routine. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 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
  • Rodney also framed the trend as a backlash against the past decade’s grind and her own generation’s infamous tendency to work themselves to the bone.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Coach Kirby Smart cited his old standby, the grind of the SEC schedule.
    — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of grind
Noun
  • The Society for Integrative Oncology’s guidelines for Complementary Therapies and Botanicals, of which Cohen is himself a co-author, cover mainstream supportive care such as exercise, medical massage, biofeedback, and yoga.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Known as the Special Intensive Revision, the exercise has, according to the protestors, resulted in more than 130 million voters being removed from electoral lists.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of exercise
Noun
  • Later, in 1711, the colony passed a legislative act to make reparations to the victims, including restoring the good names of the accused and paying financial retributions to the families of the accused.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The rush from the other 29 teams to acquire him would be quite literally hilarious, because trading Ohtani would be an act of financial suicide for LA and a massive windfall for a new team.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of act
Adjective
  • It's shot up from less than $97 at the start of the month on uncertainty about when the war with Iran will allow the global energy industry to return to normal.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Menopause is the normal part of a woman’s aging process that marks the end of her reproductive years.
    — Lyndon Haviland, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of normal
Adjective
  • His death comes in the third week of IDHW’s formal monitoring of the 2026-27 flu season.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026
  • OutKick had attended all 13 formal press conferences during the first three Finals games without being called on.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of formal
Adjective
  • So on Wednesday, after a full day of quiet, more people than usual were out on the streets in Kherson, enjoying the short glimpse of peaceful life, though many said the calm still felt unsettling.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
  • For example, because of their own home-buying timeline, a seller may need to close very quickly or may need more time than usual.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of usual
Noun
  • Hunt the Rut The very best time to hunt from the ground is when the rut is at its peak.
    — Colin Moore, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of rut
Noun
  • Evans missed all of this week’s practice with a triceps injury.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Rounding out the composition is a selection of vintage rattan pieces and sculptural creations by Pretziada, a creative design practice based in Sardinia, and its artisans.
    — Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 30 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 3 Nov. 2026.

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