habitual

adjective

ha·bit·u·al | \ hə-ˈbi-ch(ə-)wəl

, ha-, -ˈbi-chəl\

Definition of habitual

1 : regularly or repeatedly doing or practicing something or acting in some manner : having the nature of a habit : customary habitual candor habitual behavior habitual drug use

2 : regularly or repeatedly doing, practicing, or acting in some manner : doing something by force of habit habitual drunkards a habitual liar

3 : resorted to on a regular basis our habitual diet

4 : inherent in an individual habitual grace

Other Words from habitual Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about habitual

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for habitual

usual, customary, habitual, wonted, accustomed mean familiar through frequent or regular repetition. usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness. my usual order for lunch customary applies to what accords with the practices, conventions, or usages of an individual or community. the customary waiting period before the application is approved habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition. a habitual morning routine wonted stresses habituation but usually applies to what is favored, sought, or purposefully cultivated. his wonted determination accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom. accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

Examples of habitual in a Sentence

He was fired for his habitual lateness. They went for their habitual evening walk.

Recent Examples on the Web

If convicted of habitual-criminal charges, Taylor could be sentenced up to 96 years in prison. — Kieran Nicholson, The Denver Post, "Repeat felon guilty of attempted murder for shooting Aurora auto shop owner in the face," 6 Sep. 2019 There has been a shift in the profile of the squad toward a more exciting, creative one, and, if that can be married to Diego Simeone’s habitual defensive solidity, Atletico could be a major force this season. — Jonathan Wilson, SI.com, "Predictions, Group Breakdowns After the 2019-20 Champions League Draw," 29 Aug. 2019 The yen and Swiss franc, habitual sanctuaries, are among the few currencies that have risen against it (chart 3). — The Economist, "Six charts that explain the state of markets," 17 Aug. 2019 Trump’s habitual lying also gave no reason to believe the assertion. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Trump’s Tax on the National Psyche," 21 Aug. 2019 Underage use, habitual use, driving under the influence, potential arrests, disrupting life goals and relationships are all consequences of alcohol and drug abuse. — Randy Blaser, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Recreational marijuana is coming, and suburban leaders have some decisions to make," 16 Aug. 2019 The new dates were imposed on the festival by Barcelona's Fira, the convention center where Sónar's daytime edition is held, which booked a textile machinery fair on Sónar’s habitual June dates. — Judy Cantor-navas, Billboard, "Sónar Festival Recommits to Barcelona Venue After Strike, Big Dip in Attendance," 1 Aug. 2019 Most of the individuals have turned their backs to someone, the bright afternoon sunshine no match for the icy atmosphere of entrenched and habitual antipathy. — David Pagel, Los Angeles Times, "Review: Forget sexy. Eric Fischl paints the dark dramas amid all that skin," 16 July 2019 One of Johnson's habitual tactics as a politician is quintessentially British: self-deprecating humor. — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, "Maverick Boris Johnson or manager Jeremy Hunt: Who will be Britain's new prime minister?," 22 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'habitual.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.