routine 1 of 2

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

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2
as in exercise
something done over and over in order to develop skill a weapons training routine

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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

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routine

2 of 2

adjective

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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
Guests can enjoy a dynamic lineup of live performances, from traditional music and theatrical acts to high-energy K-pop and Thai dance routines. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025 Is cleaning your kitchen cabinets part of your regular kitchen maintenance routine? Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Reese offered criticism of the Sky front office and roster during a routine one-on-one interview after practice Tuesday with a Sky communications staffer present. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 Researchers surveyed 125 people undergoing a routine screening colonoscopy (which is recommended starting at age 45) about their smartphone toilet habits, as well as other lifestyle behaviors related to pooping. Erica Sloan, SELF, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for routine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for routine
Noun
  • Chelsea have mastered the art of the consistent grind.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Raleigh, like most catchers, is getting worn down by the grind of a long season.
    John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • However, not all research has come to the same conclusion here, and the effects and benefits may vary according to the regularity of exposure, type of exercise, or between athletes and average Joes.
    Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Internal carbon pricing can range from a purely hypothetical accounting exercise to actual spending on in-house carbon credits, the proceeds from which go into a fund tapped for carbon-cutting activities like energy efficiency upgrades or building onsite renewables.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That brief three-month double act between an executive chairman and a CEO is now over.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His work at the clinic earned him the Highest Pro Bono Distinction at graduation, which was awarded for working more than 150 extra pro bono hours above the normal course requirements of the clinic.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • That is just 6% of normal rainfall for the month.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, the presidents of the Central Pacific and, yes, Union Pacific railroads met in 1869 to drive the final ceremonial rail stake into the ground, connecting the east and west coasts.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Irish presidency is mostly ceremonial and is directly elected every seven years.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While the Irish Open was snubbed from this latest National Open status upgrade wave, the golf-mad nation’s key event remains a highlight on the DP World Tour calendar, with venues that as usual stir a bit of wanderlust among golf travelers.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In Colorado, the aspens should offer good viewing from September through mid-October, though dry conditions may cause leaves to drop a bit earlier than usual, according to AccuWeather.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In them, Emily Bader can be seen embodying heroine Poppy Wright, a travel writer in a rut, opposite Tom Blyth as the dapper Alex Nilsen, her estranged best friend who leads a high school English class.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Gauff finished the match with an uncharacteristic 33 unforced errors, which ultimately put her in a rut that Osaka took advantage of.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For example, the value of the Dallas Cowboys excludes The Star, the team's 91-acre headquarters, practice facility and commercial real estate.
    Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Wednesday night gave them plenty of practice at what that looks like, leaving behind a message after yet another loss that has been echoed too often during this flummoxing stretch.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Routine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/routine. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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