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
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Recent Examples of drill
Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Consistency, performance is the key to the drill.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
That kind of tight ensemble work doesn’t just flow from gathering uniquely talented singers; it gets drilled in over time.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drill
Noun
Boylan, who was a licensed captain for 34 years, failed to appoint an overnight roving watch on the night of the fire — ignoring the Certificate of Inspection requirements that were hanging in his wheelhouse — and did not institute adequate fire safety drills.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Consistency, performance is the key to the drill.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
Saudi energy infrastructure has been the target of Iranian attacks, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has had a dramatic effect on the movement – and price – of oil drilled in the Middle East.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
That kind of tight ensemble work doesn’t just flow from gathering uniquely talented singers; it gets drilled in over time.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drill
Noun
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Her son receives special services for a disability at Lake Center Elementary, and home routines are harder without this support.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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During the last decade, Parker’s routine has fostered one of the country’s most compelling new music scenes, where players from diverse backgrounds and demographics have converged to create wildly accessible improvised music.—
Grayson Haver Currin,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 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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Hooper is a 31-year-old free-agent addition, Woerner is not a threat in the passing game and Simon has been a practice-squad player throughout his time in Atlanta.—
Josh Kendall,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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So, nine holes into his pro-am practice round on Thursday, hours before the real competition started, Retief Goosen changed his grip.—
Stan Awtrey,
AJC.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Of the 11 nuns, three are dedicated caretakers for the farm, including Laudeña, who has training in veterinary assistance and examines the rabbits every morning.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
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Mamula noted that the findings provide a scientific basis for potential policy changes, permitting reforms, and workforce training.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drill. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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