routine

17 synonyms and 4 antonyms for routine, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A fixed sequence of actions regularly followed.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

habit pattern procedure practice function number bit act everyday

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

regimen ritual mundane

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

subprogram subroutine quotidian workaday unremarkable

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A fixed sequence of actions regularly followed.

“His morning routine includes a run and a cold shower.”

habit regimen ritual pattern procedure practice subprogram function subroutine number bit act

2. adjective

Ordinary and expected; done as a matter of standard procedure.

“It was just a routine checkup, nothing to worry about.”

quotidian everyday workaday mundane unremarkable

Opposites

odd outlandish aberrant remarkable

How to use routine

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

daily routine routine checkup exercise routine break the routine

Etymology

Borrowed from French routine, itself built on route ("path"), reflecting the idea of following a well-worn course.

Full origin of routine →

Frequently asked questions

What does “routine” mean?

The word “routine” means a fixed sequence of actions regularly followed. In plain terms, a regular pattern of habits or steps, or something unremarkable and standard.

How do you pronounce “routine”?

“Routine” is pronounced roo-TEEN (/ɹuˈtin/ in IPA).

How do you use “routine” in a sentence?

Here is “routine” used in a sentence: “His morning routine includes a run and a cold shower.”

What part of speech is “routine”?

Depending on how it is used, “routine” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “routine” come from?

The word “routine” comes from French. Borrowed from French routine, itself built on route ("path"), reflecting the idea of following a well-worn course.

Is “routine” a common word?

“Routine” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “routine” have?

“Routine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fixed sequence of actions regularly followed.

What is the difference between a routine and a habit?

A routine is a fixed sequence of actions regularly followed, and it is usually deliberate — like a morning routine of stretching, showering, and coffee. A habit is a single behaviour repeated so often it becomes automatic, often without thinking. Routines are typically built from several habits.

Is routine positive or negative?

The word itself is neutral, and context sets the tone. A "routine procedure" is reassuring because it is ordinary and expected, while calling a performance "routine" can be a criticism implying it was unremarkable, and being "stuck in a routine" suggests dull repetition.

What is the difference between routine and schedule?

A schedule lists when things will happen — times and dates. A routine is the fixed sequence of actions itself, regularly followed regardless of exact clock times. Your schedule might say "gym at 7 a.m."; your gym routine is the set of exercises you do there.

People also searched

number act bit practice function procedure pattern everyday odd remarkable habit ritual

Nearby words

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