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Synonyms

standard operating procedure

American  

noun

  1. a set of fixed instructions or steps for carrying out usually routine operations. SOP


Etymology

Origin of standard operating procedure

First recorded in 1950–55

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.

But in Louisiana, it’s been standard operating procedure for more than a century.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

Though Bass omitted the bit about six months being standard operating procedure, which would have at least offered some context.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

But during the next several years, such bombing became standard operating procedure.

From Salon • Sep. 8, 2025

Ms Chadha says the police have to follow a standard operating procedure when a woman lodges a complaint.

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2024

Therefore he was not technically a Hunt prisoner, and so was not bound by the institution’s standard operating procedure.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers