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Definitions

exercise

[ek-ser-sahyz] / ˈɛk sərˌsaɪz /
NOUN
work, effort
Synonyms
STRONGEST
act action activity drill examination lesson movement operation performance problem study task test training workout
STRONG
calisthenics constitutional discharge discipline drilling exercising exertion gym labor occupation pursuit recitation schoolwork theme toil warmup
WEAK
daily dozen
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cessation idleness inaction inactivity inertia repose rest stoppage
STRONG
entertainment fun pastime surrender
WEAK
disuse misuse
NOUN
accomplishment, use
Synonyms
STRONGEST
operation performance practice
STRONG
application discharge employment enjoyment exertion fulfillment implementation pursuit utilization
Antonyms
STRONG
dissatisfaction idleness
WEAK
disuse misuse
VERB
put to use
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apply enjoy exert exploit handle operate
STRONG
bestow devote drill employ execute practice rehearse sharpen use utilize wield
WEAK
bring to bear put into practice
Antonyms
STRONG
forget ignore misuse neglect
WEAK
not use
VERB
do repeatedly, especially to improve
Synonyms
STRONGEST
develop exert improve prepare train work out
STRONG
break condition cultivate discipline drill fix foster groom habituate hone inure labor maneuver ply practice rehearse set strain teach work
WEAK
break in dry run lick into shape limber up loosen up pump iron put out put through grind put through mill run through tune up walk through warm up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decrease neglect
STRONG
destroy discourage forget halt idle ignore laze relax rest
WEAK
not use
VERB
upset, worry
Synonyms
STRONGEST
try
STRONG
abrade afflict agitate annoy bother burden chafe distress disturb gall irk occupy pain perturb preoccupy provoke trouble vex
Antonyms
STRONG
aid assist calm comfort delight help make happy please quiet soothe
WEAK
ignore not use

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In her school exercise book Marylyn Minett had been writing about the big events of the 1960s: a rocket launch, a volcano erupting and a shopping trip to Merthyr Tydfil with her auntie Pam.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

But there are no rest days for the weightless: the astronauts have 30 minutes of exercise built in to their schedules.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

He has also created a new consultative council, which will exercise paramount authority over civilian and military affairs.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

When it chooses to exercise that power, however, it speaks clearly.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

Then the men and dogs could take advantage of the wide, flat floes to get some exercise.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.