ROUTINE Synonyms: 220 Similar and Opposite Words

routine 1 of 2

noun

rü-ˈtēn

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

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Relevance

as in exercise

something done over and over in order to develop skill a weapons training routine

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as in act

a performance regularly presented by an individual or group did a tired routine that's been around since the days of vaudeville

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routine

2 of 2

adjective

rü-ˈtēn

as in normal

being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events this is just a routine inspection

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as in formal

following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules the routine procedure for filing a complaint with the board

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as in usual

often observed or encountered the movie is a routine thriller that has little to recommend it

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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

Noun

Vomiting, weight gain from steroids used in her treatment and hospitalization became part of her routine. —

ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026 Here’s a closer look at what’s out there, what the ingredients actually do, and how each product fits into a thinning hair routine. —

Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Preventive care, which includes routine screenings and annual checkups, is key to identifying health risks early and supporting long-term well-being. —

NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026 The Towson location’s approach—pairing a behavioral nudge with a small reward—has turned a routine fast-food visit into a conversation about habits many people share. —

Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for routine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for routine

Noun

Hurts Like Hell has a kind of mythic separation from the daily grind that was so present in Cornfield’s earlier work.

— Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026
He's been in the grind and on the journey for a long time, playing guitar, writing and even doing some dancing for other headliners.

— Tony Peterson, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026