1
as in activity
energetic movement of the body for the sake of physical fitness
the doctor ordered plenty of fresh air and exercise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
3
as in use
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose
the observation that the best exercise for losing weight is the exercise of one's ability to say no to food
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to practice
to do over and over so as to become skilled
the only way to exercise your writing skills is to do more writing
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to use
to put into action or service
commended the firefighters for exercising really good judgment in that emergency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to bother
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
the slightest change in travel plans is enough to get him all exercised
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 exercise
Richard McCathron, Fortune, 25 May 2026
During a recent exercise in Southern California, Marines successfully launched a Neros Archer FPV drone from the ground and then transferred control of the unmanned aircraft to operators aboard a UH-1Y Venom helicopter flying several miles away.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
Adam Thompson, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Still, due to such limitations, the rights of proxies do not have the same ethical preeminence as real autonomy exercised by an individual herself or himself.
—Adam W. Gaffney, STAT, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for exercise
Noun
Our turnaround didn’t come from a single breakthrough or dramatic cost-cutting exercise.
—Richard McCathron, Fortune, 25 May 2026
During a recent exercise in Southern California, Marines successfully launched a Neros Archer FPV drone from the ground and then transferred control of the unmanned aircraft to operators aboard a UH-1Y Venom helicopter flying several miles away.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
Verb
In February, the school board voted to exercise the unilateral termination clause in Bulson's contract and separate from him immediately.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Still, due to such limitations, the rights of proxies do not have the same ethical preeminence as real autonomy exercised by an individual herself or himself.
—Adam W. Gaffney, STAT, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for exercise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exercise
Noun
-
Martian volcanoes appear to be dormant right now, but that former activity left behind the largest tunnel network in the solar system.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
25 May 2026
-
It's advised for those with respiratory or heart-related issues to limit outdoor activity this afternoon.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
Nakase also thought Jocytė’s first practice went well Sunday.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
-
Burial practices accelerated spread.—
Steve Brozak,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Whether your husband is into gadgets, travel, grilling, or simply appreciates things that make everyday life easier, these are the gifts that actually get constant use in my house — and will make Father’s Day feel a little more memorable this year.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
24 May 2026
-
That rally ended in sudden disruption that experts later said involved the use of a sonic weapon against peaceful demonstrators.—
Jovana Gec,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
China has the wherewithal to help on both counts—selling advanced weapons to Russia and reducing purchases of Iranian oil—though Xi has steadfastly refused to exert that leverage.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
20 May 2026
-
Designed to offer vertical and lateral reinforcement, flying buttresses enable the force exerted by the roof and walls to be offloaded from the upper wall section to the ground.—
Kristin Shaw,
ArsTechnica,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Some portion of eligible people are probably discouraged from applying at all, believing the lottery system to be rigged or pointless.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
-
Exclusions include clearance items and gift cards, and the discount is applied to the subtotal before tax and shipping/handling at checkout with the promo code.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
In a funny touch of feminist commentary, the Pounds parents are intent on their bratty son Andrew (Hamnet survivor Jacobi Jupe) getting the best possible education but less bothered about glum daughter Drissila (Evie Templeton).—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
-
What bothers him most, however, is the suggestion that neo-soul lacked authenticity or cultural purpose.—
Datwon Thomas,
VIBE.com,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Shah treats daytime exertion as the precondition for nighttime rest, rather than the opposite.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
15 May 2026
-
One firefighter was taken to the emergency room at a local hospital for over exertion and was released hours later, Clark said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The Browns are expected to hold a quarterback competition in training camp among Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel, with rookie Taylen Green selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
-
Advocates argue retained physical advantages still created disparities female athletes could not overcome through training alone.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exercise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exercise. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
