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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of routine
Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Uranus in Gemini is activating your ninth house of beliefs, travel, education and big-picture thinking, while the North Node in Pisces activates your sixth house of work, wellness and routines.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
Right-hander Kai-Wei Teng walked two and hit a batter, and Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña made an error on a routine ground ball.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for routine
Noun
Over time, these routines become part of a person's identity.
—Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Uranus in Gemini is activating your ninth house of beliefs, travel, education and big-picture thinking, while the North Node in Pisces activates your sixth house of work, wellness and routines.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Adjective
Downtown traffic is a snarl and parking isn’t easy even on routine days.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
Right-hander Kai-Wei Teng walked two and hit a batter, and Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña made an error on a routine ground ball.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for routine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for routine
Noun
-
The adrenaline of the playoffs was one thing, but the grind of a long campaign was something very different.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
-
In a measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, chives, dill and garlic powder; season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper.—
Emily Weinstein,
Twin Cities,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The Lancet analysis found that moderate activity — about 45 minutes, three to five times a week — was tied to the biggest mental health benefit, and that more exercise wasn’t always better.—
Samantha Agate,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
-
For a monthly fee, people could enjoy such games as bridge and Mahjong, and take Pilates, yoga and other exercise classes in the 6,000-square-foot center, Griffin said.—
Joe Marusak
June 9,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Jay Clayton alleged at the time that the gang is responsible for countless acts of violence, extortion and drug trafficking in North America, South America and Europe.—
Will Weissert,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
-
There were reckless acts such as climbing on moving and parked vehicles and vandalism like trashing a yellow cab.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Now that the garden is complete aside from normal plant replacements, Sterman recognizes it as the expression of her own evolution and growth as a garden designer as well as changing views on waterwise gardening.—
Nicole Sours Larson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 June 2026
-
The West Coast is also bracing for rising temperatures, with highs climbing to 10 to 25 degrees above normal this weekend.—
Christine Rapp,
NBC news,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
According to the editors, both of these books embody the company’s ethos by modeling formal ambition, emotional depth, and a willingness to engage difficult questions.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
The service The service is formal, but friendly and attentive, and the concierge showed an enthusiastic passion for the city that created moments for interest and exploration beyond the Guggenheim.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Laurie Metcalf, confirming her standing as the First Lady of the American Theater, won for her portrayal of Linda Loman, a more formidable than usual interpretation of Willy’s stalwart wife.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
Above the factory floor, the big bosses determined our production goals for the day, as usual.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
In his first West Coast NHL job, Laviolette is taking over a good team that is stuck in a profound rut, unable to become a Stanley Cup contender.—
Greg Beacham,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
There isn’t any special formula to get the Cubs out of this offensive rut.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
So much of it comes down to economics, to not being freed from unethical labor practices.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
Several other unions also filed unfair labor practices over the unilateral nature of the policy change, which was originally set to be implemented on July 1, 2025.—
Kassia Bonesteel,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Routine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/routine. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
