as in routine
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity
I've fallen into a rut, watching television and then going to bed every night
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rut
But Florida’s offense remained in a rut and was unable to build on its lead.
—
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
Meta's optimizing ad revenue amid AI overhauls; Starbucks is shuttering underperforming spots; PeaceHealth's battling reimbursement squeezes in a post-pandemic reimbursement rut.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
The Chiefs dug themselves out of a rut for the first time all season, eking out a 23-20 overtime win against the Colts.
—Sam McDowell 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025
In the fall, during mating season, also known as the rut, many bucks may cross roads in search of a mate, causing chaos on Middle Tennessee streets, interstates and highways, animals experts say.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rut
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
Meta's optimizing ad revenue amid AI overhauls; Starbucks is shuttering underperforming spots; PeaceHealth's battling reimbursement squeezes in a post-pandemic reimbursement rut.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
The Chiefs dug themselves out of a rut for the first time all season, eking out a 23-20 overtime win against the Colts.
—Sam McDowell 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025
In the fall, during mating season, also known as the rut, many bucks may cross roads in search of a mate, causing chaos on Middle Tennessee streets, interstates and highways, animals experts say.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rut
Noun
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In part, the McKinley administration standardized various press protocols and routines involved in managing the press corps—holding somewhat regular briefings, for example, and carefully timing White House announcements.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
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Your best bet for starting a routine that sticks?—
Julia Sullivan,
Health,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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This model is new to Amazon this month and comes with 35 different grind settings and brewing method options for espresso, French press, and pour-overs.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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Most people have experienced the maddening grind of trying to fix a billing mistake, appeal an insurance decision or schedule a medical appointment, only to be pulled into a maze of forms, portals and hold music.—
Nitin Ware,
Washington Post,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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And Sims is just starting to get into his basketball groove, after starring as a linebacker, running back and wide receiver for the Newington football team, which advanced to the Class MM semifinal for the second straight year.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
9 Jan. 2026
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Another frequent collaborator, Selena Gomez, has found her groove with Walsh as well.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rut. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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