force of habit

noun phrase

: behavior made involuntary or automatic by repeated practice

Examples of force of habit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Or is the American tendency to refrigerate eggs just a force of habit? Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2023 However, this rotation of sweet or salty snacks winding their way through the office may not merely be a force of habit. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Well, 26 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'force of habit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of force of habit was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near force of habit

Cite this Entry

“Force of habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/force%20of%20habit. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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