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
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.
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Recent Examples of routine
Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
The only question is whether the 5-foot-2 Liu might add a high-scoring triple Axel to the routine.
—Elliott Almond, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
My friend, who inspired me, knew her floor routine even at age 30.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for routine
Noun
Yet most people use the same products for decades without adjusting their routine.
—Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
The only question is whether the 5-foot-2 Liu might add a high-scoring triple Axel to the routine.
—Elliott Almond, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Iranian media said the drone was conducting routine surevillance that is permitted under international law.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
My friend, who inspired me, knew her floor routine even at age 30.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for routine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for routine
Noun
-
Teams loved the break from the grind — being able to play and collaborate with friends in the culinary community — which grew stronger as a result.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Feb. 2026
-
If not, now's your chance to grab a calendar and pencil in some time to reconnect as a couple, plan a girls or guys trip, or just escape for a bit from the daily grind of child-rearing and work responsibilities.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
With one or two exceptions, this trade deadline may just be an accounting exercise of slinging slop contracts back and forth with negligible on-court impact.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
On rest days, consider doing other forms of light exercise.—
Jamie Friedlander Serrano,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Yet staying – and taking pride in one’s roots – also becomes an act of resistance for Bad Bunny.—
Rocio Munoz,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The fire department believes the tragic crash was an accident, not an intentional criminal act.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Under normal conditions, these signals go straight to the robot’s central processing unit.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Researchers around the world are now finding microplastics – tiny plastic fragments and fibers smaller than a grain of rice – in garden soils and compost products that look perfectly normal to the naked eye.—
Dr. Avishesh Neupane,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Brett Igo, Coast Guard Northeast District investigation oversight coordinator, will serve as the lead investigating officer, receiving evidence and testimony using formal rules and procedures.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The ceremony coincides with the arrival of the Olympic torch relay and the formal gathering of athletes from around the world.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Saturday's game was on Amazon Prime, so a lot more people than usual saw it.—
Scott Fowler The Charlotte Observer,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
-
The singer also took a softer approach with her glam, trading her usual babydoll blush and statement eye makeup for cloud lips, frosted highlighter, and natural-looking lashes.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Break out of your winter style rut.—
Frances Solá-Santiago,
InStyle,
25 Jan. 2026
-
If it should get stuck in the snow, avoid spinning the vehicle’s tires, as the vehicle will only be digging itself into a deeper rut.—
Jim Gorzelany,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That judicial warrant is a court order, said Ian Macdonald, an attorney and partner in the labor and employment practice of Greenberg Traurig LLP.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The strike is based on an unfair labor practice charge filed by the National Union of Healthcare Workers against the two Kindred hospitals.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Routine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/routine. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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