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 ceremonial
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
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
The Evening Wind-Down Routine Matters, Too On the flip side, having a solid evening wind-down routine is also important because its sets your child up for success the next day.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 12 Sep. 2025
Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
Leng described it as a routine part of the vessel's construction process, pointing to further sea trials.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for routine
Noun
Establish a routine early to help both adjust.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
The Evening Wind-Down Routine Matters, Too On the flip side, having a solid evening wind-down routine is also important because its sets your child up for success the next day.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The flurry of summer comes to an end and routine returns.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
Leng described it as a routine part of the vessel's construction process, pointing to further sea trials.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for routine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for routine
Noun
-
Women in their 50s are well into their careers, leaning in and even expanding professionally as their kids have aged and need less in the daily grind.—
Linsey Hughes,
Flow Space,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Their 2010 appearance came by virtue of hosting, not through the grind of the qualifiers.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Remember that cognitive difficulty often signals growth, just as physical soreness after exercise indicates muscle development.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Republicans have treated Raskin’s calls for transparency as a political exercise, noting that President Joe Biden did not face the same uproar over Epstein.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The attack was widely condemned in the Middle East and beyond as an act that could escalate tensions in a region already on edge.—
Jarrett Renshaw,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
KPop Demon Hunters transforms loving your favorite artist from a hobby into an act of creation itself.—
Yvonne Kim,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Many automakers returned to advertising during the NFL season last year as vehicle inventory levels returned to more normal levels.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Her therapist – who Heming Willis accidentally referred to her as her own caregiver – explained how normal these feelings were.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Joining Muniz in the ceremonial duties were LL Cool J, David Arquette, and Mandy Moore.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Rupert, now 94, will continue in a figurehead capacity as chairman emeritus of the companies, maintaining ceremonial leadership but no direct voting control.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
For instance, if a wildfire—even if far away—coincides with weather systems blowing pollution into your region, AirNow’s email will recommend staying indoors more than usual.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
-
As such, there’s always been a thrill of danger to every fight, but the difference this time around is that the stakes are far higher than usual.—
David Opie,
IndieWire,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The industry isn’t stuck in this rut for only psychological and cultural reasons – although those are contributing factors.—
Eric Siegel,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The Dodgers have been stuck in this offensive rut for two months, the main reason for their 22-31 record since July 4.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The development pool is designed to give younger players access to daily practices, training sessions and a dedicated performance staff.—
Roberta F. Rodrigues,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The Panthers should probably promote practice-squad linebacker Krys Barnes in the coming weeks as insurance for Trevin Wallace, who was a major liability in Week 1 after a really strong summer.—
Mike Kaye
September 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Routine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/routine. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share