1
as in routine
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity
shuttling the kids between extracurricular activities is all part of the suburban drill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to pierce
to make a hole or series of holes in
the nerve-jangling sound when a dentist drills a tooth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shoot
to strike with a missile from a gun
drilled the target from 100 yards away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of drill
Ryan Brennan
april 30, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
The attorney, Casey Garrett, said there was inadequate training or drills for counselors and campers regarding a flood threat.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 6 May 2026
That might seem like an incentive to drill more, but lessons learned from previous oil gluts and geological hurdles to drilling more—not to mention ongoing uncertainty—tell a more complicated story.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for drill
Noun
Flip wheelbarrows, drill drainage holes in planters and keep buckets covered or indoors.
—Ryan Brennan
april 30, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
The attorney, Casey Garrett, said there was inadequate training or drills for counselors and campers regarding a flood threat.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
The nonprofit drills wells to provide clean water.
—Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 6 May 2026
That might seem like an incentive to drill more, but lessons learned from previous oil gluts and geological hurdles to drilling more—not to mention ongoing uncertainty—tell a more complicated story.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for drill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drill
Noun
-
Hobby-maxxing reflects a broader push toward analog living, creative self-expression and routines that support mental health.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
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Why 2026 Is the Year of Hobby-Maxxing The trend reflects a broader cultural push toward analog living, creative self-expression and routines that support mental health.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Smith uses community-building exercises and state Capitol visits to encourage critical thinking and civic engagement.—
Holly Ramer,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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But what an opportunity this group has to provide more than just a damage limitation exercise.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Three years later, Hendon’s team turned their attention to studying why the microscopic clumps form in the first place, particularly at very fine grind levels.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 Apr. 2026
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Charlotte prioritizing health and cohesion The months ahead will be spent in the weight room, building toward the daily grind of fall camp, but the foundation was laid this spring.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Unhappy with just one-sided success, however, Ohtani shook up his routine with early on-field batting practice Monday.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
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That practice tapered off as A-listers grew pickier about their brands and ever more committed to building a lasting legacy.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
Noun
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For years, toxic sewage from the Tijuana River has made residents sick, closed beaches and even disrupted the nation’s military training.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
The initiative includes new training, clinical guidance and changes to insurance billing.—
Rhitu Chatterjee,
NPR,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drill. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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