ROTE Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

rote 1 of 2

noun

ˈrōt

Definition of rote

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

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rote

2 of 2

adjective

as in usual

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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 rote

Noun

Nothing is done by rote in such a sophisticated operation, after all, and the results reflect at least some elements of emphasis. — Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026 Both governments still mouth the old slogans, by rote. — Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Her way of dealing with the ensuing guilt is to track down the families of the other victims and apologize on her son’s behalf, which, on paper, makes for a fascinating approach to grief, but proves rote and repetitive in execution. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Sep. 2026 The framework gained popularity as systems of education seemed to over-indulge rote memorization. — James Davis, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rote

Noun

The new concealer and neutralizer make up a new two-step routine.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026
Patients complete an online survey covering their skin concerns, history, current routine and goals, which is reviewed by a clinician licensed in their state.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of routine

Adjective

The Sagittarius Moon opposes Uranus, making a public responsibility, schedule, or household plan less predictable than usual.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
This is Kerry’s usual spiel at the beginning of a season; historically, the bravado lets up over time.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of usual

Noun

Because of those factors, and perhaps coupled with my love for the game and fervor for the assignment, the daily grind never felt like that at all.

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026
While voters may like to see a more unified Congress that quickly passes certain bills or agendas, the political grind that slows that process down appears to be good for the market.

— Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of grind

Adjective

Minutes from the April 19 meeting outlined how the government opted for just one round of readiness checks before launching its emergency vaccination program due to time constraints, instead of the typical four rounds.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Such moves are typical of presidential hopefuls from both parties seeking to bolster their alliances nationwide.

— Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of typical

Adjective

That could create an unusual situation in which an ordinary consumer turns on a feature built into a mainstream device and, at least technically, runs afoul of state law by using it during a private conversation without everyone's consent.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Annie Palmer, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026
Spanish scientists have developed an experimental type of self-disinfecting cotton fabric, which is activated via ordinary white light.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of ordinary

Adjective

Spurs kept a clean sheet, an achievement to build on after shipping five in their opening two, and looked solid, if a little unimaginative in midfield.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Some critics described him as unimaginative but capable, and he was criticized for extending the defense of Bakhmut at great human cost.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of unimaginative

Adjective

But a few months later, at her 18-month appointment, the standard graph that plotted a child’s weight against their age showed her weight slipping off the curve.

— Raj Panjabi, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
For those traveling in standard class with Comfort tickets, there’s a Starbucks, Shot Neighbourhood Coffee, WHSmith and soon-to-open McDonald's, along with a vending machine selling affordable hot meals.

— Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of standard

Adjective

With stimulus checks gone and student loan payments back, Maggiulli suggests the drop may partly be a return to normal.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
In both cases, people with pre-existing hypertension experienced bigger drops in systolic and diastolic pressure than those with normal blood pressure.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of normal

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rotations

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rotes

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“Rote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rote. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rote

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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