exercise 1 of 2

1
2
as in practice
something done over and over in order to develop skill a young piano student dutifully going through the standard finger exercises

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3
as in use
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose the observation that the best exercise for losing weight is the exercise of one's ability to say no to food

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exercise

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to exert
to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively a senator who consistently exercises his clout in Congress to get pork barrel projects for his state

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2
as in to practice
to do over and over so as to become skilled the only way to exercise your writing skills is to do more writing

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3
as in to use
to put into action or service commended the firefighters for exercising really good judgment in that emergency

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

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 exercise
Noun
Being in nature offers them plenty of exercise and a world of exciting new smells to explore. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 Later that year, Australian, Japanese, and U.S. defense leaders unveiled another set of cooperative activities, including three-way military exercises and advanced defense industrial cooperation. Ely Ratner, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025
Verb
The Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the island is a reef and therefore not entitled to an exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and the ship thus has the right to exercise the freedom of the high seas. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 Therefore, the president is exercising his lawful authority to limit funding to NPR and PBS. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for exercise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exercise
Noun
  • Pros Affordable rates Coverage can be extended mid-trip Covers 200+ adventure activities like scuba diving and bungee jumping Cons Lower trip cancellation limits than other companies CFAR add-on must be bought within seven days of booking Only issues policies to travelers 69 and younger.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 1 June 2025
  • After hiking in nearby Beacon Rock State Park or trying onsite activities like golf, the spa awaits with restorative massages or hot tub soaks before dinner.
    Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Experts and former Elite teachers see similar practices happening at Elite.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • Israel’s Supreme Court outlawed the practice in 2005.
    Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Learn how to evaluate your existing garden, use or convert irrigation systems and basic design approaches.
    Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • Always consult your stovetop model's use and care guide for specific recommendations and best practices on maintenance.
    Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Councilmember Yusef Salaam, who represents the area and exerts tremendous influence over whether or not One45 will pass in the Council, expressed myriad concerns about the project.
    Téa Kvetenadze, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
  • Each individual gene involved in a polygenic trait may exert only a small influence on that trait.
    Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • The same applies to the other numbers noted in the study, 6835, 7637, 8093, and 9629.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • The highest rating a Star Wars film ever got was PG-13, the rating consistently applied to films in the franchise since 2005's Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
    EW.com, EW.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • After years of ‘losing culture,’ can the new-look Chicago Bears turn things around on defense? Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard didn’t bother mincing words.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • The walk, only his second this month, bothered him.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Passive rest means complete time off from training, avoiding exertion and limiting screen time while putting an emphasis on ways to relax.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
  • Ozone Action Alert is when the AQI is Code Red, which signals that prolonged outdoor exertion is unhealthy for everyone.
    Harley Walls, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Your First Diagnosis The Hofstra 4+4 Program: BS-BA/MD consists of four years of undergraduate education followed by four years of medical school training, seamlessly integrated into a single pathway.
    Kristen Moon, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Earlier Sunday, Ukraine’s army said at least 12 Ukrainian service members were killed and more than 60 were injured in a Russian missile strike on an army training unit.
    SAMYA KULLAB, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exercise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exercise. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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