as in routines
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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Recent Examples of ruts
Edwards is the vehicle that often drives their offense and pulls them out of ruts.
—
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Oct. 2025
Wet grass can clog your mower, leave ruts in the soil, and raise the risk of lawn diseases.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Then, good teams are able to get out of those ruts faster.
—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
However, any potholes or large ruts will throw everything off.
—Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Steep hills, ruts and low-traction surfaces were easily navigable.
—Mark Phelan, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2025
Meal planning ruts can plague lunchtime, too, after all.
—Alexis Berger, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025
Steep hills, ruts and low-traction surfaces were easily navigable.
—Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Oct. 2025
Wet grass can clog your mower, leave ruts in the soil, and raise the risk of lawn diseases.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Then, good teams are able to get out of those ruts faster.
—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
However, any potholes or large ruts will throw everything off.
—Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Steep hills, ruts and low-traction surfaces were easily navigable.
—Mark Phelan, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2025
Meal planning ruts can plague lunchtime, too, after all.
—Alexis Berger, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025
Steep hills, ruts and low-traction surfaces were easily navigable.
—Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruts
Noun
-
Stick with familiar bedtime routines like bath, story and lights out, even if the bedtime is temporarily off.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
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That shift in focus led Clark to design short, predictable sessions that respect toddlers’ routines, rhythms, and attention spans while giving them consistent positive exposure to movement.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The two No 10s largely avoid the sort of slack passes and heavy touches that have previously halted United from properly settling into their attacking grooves.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
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The track starts with a pulsating Simmons bass riff, setting the tone for one of Kiss' funkier guitar grooves.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Upgrade your movie marathons, gaming grinds, and Sunday chill sessions with this gorgeous 50 inch Hisense 4K Smart TV.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 Oct. 2025
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It’s finished with a generous sprinkling of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruts. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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