Synonyms for

Drilling

Verb / ˈdrɪlɪŋ / Another word for drilling — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The act of making a deep hole in a hard surface with a drill.

Synonyms & similar words

drill oilproduction practice practise bore exercise boring boring digging perforating piercing puncturing tapping hole-making probing reaming burrowing excavating auguring coring grinding milling cutting carving chiseling hollowing grooving

Synonyms by register

Formal

boring perforating penetrating excavating

Informal

digging poking gouging

Literary

piercing boring

Antonyms

stopping ceasing pausing resting halting discontinuing

Common collocations

  • drilling rig
  • oil drilling
  • water drilling
  • drilling mud
  • drilling fluid
  • drilling operation
  • drilling down

Word family

noun drill
verb drill
adjective drilling

Usage note

The word 'drilling' can refer to the act of making a hole or to repetitive practice. Ensure context clarifies the intended meaning.

Example sentences

  1. The construction workers were drilling into the ground to build a new building.
  2. The dentist had to do some drilling to fix my cavity.
  3. The oil company was drilling for oil in the ocean.
  4. The musician was practicing his drumming and drilling on his snare drum.
  5. The basketball coach had the team do a lot of drilling to get better at dribbling.

Quotes

  • If your opponent is digging a hole, you can't stop him by throwing dirt at him. - Daniel J. Boorstin
  • I don't drill a lot of wells. I drill big ones. - T. Boone Pickens
  • I'm drilling and I'm going to keep drilling. - George W. Bush

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