as in routine
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity
learned the rote for the exercise warm-up but not the reasoning behind it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in usual
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 rote
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2024
Given the weird psychology that drove the antagonists in the earlier films — a crazed lady taxidermist and then a psychopathic thespian, respectively — the villains’ thirst for riches here seems a little rote, while the use of El Dorado as a device just piles cliché on top of triteness.
—Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024
Dave Barnett, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
In modern times, most Presidents use the occasion of a farewell for rote self-justification, a summary of accomplishments, gestures of gratitude.
—David Remnick, The New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rote
Noun
It’s meant to be a familiar dynamic but edges uncomfortably into the predictable, the rote.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2024
Given the weird psychology that drove the antagonists in the earlier films — a crazed lady taxidermist and then a psychopathic thespian, respectively — the villains’ thirst for riches here seems a little rote, while the use of El Dorado as a device just piles cliché on top of triteness.
—Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Traditional methods like lectures or informal group discussions tend to focus on rote skill acquisition or unstructured dialogue—neither of which meets the need for both rigorous content and flexible, adaptive learning environments.
—Dave Barnett, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
In modern times, most Presidents use the occasion of a farewell for rote self-justification, a summary of accomplishments, gestures of gratitude.
—David Remnick, The New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rote
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rote
Noun
-
Forget the simple bedtime routine of brushing your teeth, washing your face and putting on pajamas.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Woods' rigorous fitness routine raised the bar for professional golfers, and many have followed suit.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The Billboard Artist aims to showcase musicians from fresh, unexpected angles going beyond their usual image to create something truly special.—
Billboard Korea,
Billboard,
18 Mar. 2025
-
But the dark clouds, in the form of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, are more ominous than usual.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
What to know: A team that didn’t run away from the grind.—
Michael Waterloo,
The Athletic,
16 Mar. 2025
-
So, here's my challenge to every financial leader feeling stuck in the grind: What if your discomfort isn't a signal to leave, but an invitation to lead differently?—
Sunil Rajasekar,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The average cost of full coverage in the U.S. is now $2,638 per year, meaning the typical household spends 3.39% of its income on insurance for just one car.—
Ben Kesslen,
Quartz,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Hamilton is not the first driver to attempt to fulfill a childhood dream by ending his racing career in typical midlife crisis style — in his 40s with a brand new Ferrari and a second family.—
Olivia Hicks,
NPR,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
These are taxed at different (typically lower) rates than ordinary income.—
Heather L. Locus,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Unfortunately, ordinary residential buildings have also been damaged.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Yet what was once novel and football-redeeming has turned dull and unimaginative.—
Jeff Pearlman,
Rolling Stone,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Unlike the expressiveness of Blauvelt’s long collaboration with Kelly Reichardt, the visuals here look flat and unimaginative.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Under California law, standard golf carts are allowed to operate solely on and around golf courses, according to Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, which has offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles.—
Fernanda Galan,
Sacramento Bee,
16 Mar. 2025
-
Potential Risks and Side Effects Phenylalanine is generally well-tolerated in standard dosages.—
Isabel Vasquez RD LDN,
Health,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Are these normal things to think at this point in a serious relationship?—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
18 Mar. 2025
-
The bottom line: Volatility — though unnerving — is normal.—
John Towfighi,
CNN,
18 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rote. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share