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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

rote

2 of 2

adjective

as in usual

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

The question definitively answered here is whether more schools should be emphasizing project learning over rote memorization and teaching to the test. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 That geographic blandness only emphasizes the film’s other shortcomings, such as Schoenaerts’s anonymous work as the villain (a lot of glowering and creepy glares) and the rather rote big-sister/little-sister arc given to Supergirl and Ruthye. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rote

Noun

Teams cross multiple time zones, adjust practice and sleep schedules and play at a neutral site far from their normal routines.

— Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
As if dating weren’t already enough of a gamble, a new trend has some men skipping their usual hygiene routines before meeting a prospective partner.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of routine

Adjective

Immediately, Zack-Carlos goes back to reasserting his presence in the house, eager to stay as long as possible and be his usual insufferable self.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
For cats that need a larger calorie reduction, Yeo said a veterinary weight-management diet may be safer than simply serving much less of their usual food because it is formulated to provide adequate nutrients with fewer calories.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of usual

Adjective

Netflix has worked assiduously to burnish its reputation as a home for advertisers seeking to align themselves with its popular programs and eager to avoid the traditional model of deploying typical 30-second commercials.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
However, this gets an all-new rear suspension with leaf springs; that setup allows for a greater payload than a typical torsion beam axle.

— Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of typical

Adjective

Audiences embraced the films for their creeping realism and slow-building scares, which transformed ordinary bedrooms, hallways and home security cameras into places where something terrifying might be lurking just outside the frame.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
The new measure comes as Moscow and Kyiv ramp up their air campaigns, with Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory sparking fuel shortages and bringing the war closer to home for ordinary Russians.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of ordinary

Adjective

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
But is that because these shirts evoke nostalgia and appreciation for the designs, or because the newer alternatives are unimaginative and too expensive?

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 13 July 2026

Definition of unimaginative

Adjective

In proof-of-concept tests, the intense heat turned the raw materials into cement clinker within seconds, nearly 100 times faster than standard production.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Porsche also offers a carbon-ceramic brake package for those who would prefer to go that route, but the standard setup offers very little to complain about.

— Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of standard

Adjective

Although Edouard is not forecast to become a hurricane, the hurricane center has warned coastal residents to closely monitor the forecast as the storm is in an area of warmer than normal water and low wind shear, which favor strengthening.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
That change was introduced to help give club staff working across transfer departments a more normal working pattern.

— Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of normal

Browse Nearby Words

rotations

rote

rotes

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rote. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rote

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on rote

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes