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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.

“Because the Constitution gives the federal government exclusive authority over foreign affairs and the conduct of wars, federal law preempts all state law that substantially interferes with the Government’s exercise of those powers,” Alito wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The exercise, he said, is clarifying, forcing leaders to articulate what they believe, and what they will set out to accomplish.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Two of my siblings are getting married this year, which means I’ve been thinking more than usual about wedding registries — that peculiar exercise in imagining a future life.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

The savings-rate exercise, for example, is part of a case study students work throughout the year about a small-business owner.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

It was neither a “contract with abolition” nor a “covenant with death,” but rather a prudent exercise in ambiguity.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing exercise

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Mahatma Gandhi's "Quit India" Speech

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The First Amendment of the US Constitution

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!