habit 1 of 2

1
2
as in addiction
a physiological need for certain drugs a cocaine habit of long standing

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in physique
the type of body that a person has an imposing man of vigorous habit

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

habit

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun habit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of habit are custom, practice, usage, and wont. While all these words mean "a way of acting fixed through repetition," habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively.

had a habit of tapping his fingers

When is it sensible to use custom instead of habit?

Although the words custom and habit have much in common, custom applies to a practice or usage so steadily associated with an individual or group as to have almost the force of unwritten law.

the custom of wearing black at funerals

In what contexts can practice take the place of habit?

In some situations, the words practice and habit are roughly equivalent. However, practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice.

our practice is to honor all major credit cards

When could usage be used to replace habit?

While the synonyms usage and habit are close in meaning, usage suggests a customary action so generally followed that it has become a social norm.

western-style dress is now common usage in international business

When can wont be used instead of habit?

The synonyms wont and habit are sometimes interchangeable, but wont usually applies to a habitual manner, method, or practice of an individual or group.

as was her wont, she slept until noon

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of habit
Noun
Network news is in flux Anchor changes are disrupting one of the last true habits of traditional TV viewing. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025 Conversely, other have remains open, some adding food, pubs or restaurants to the operation as customer habits change. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025 Consider that in-person work might be a feature, not just a bug, promoting habits that ultimately deliver better physical and mental health outcomes that improve your life. John Gallucci Jr, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 Department stores, mall staples and specialty brands are all among those either trimming locations or shutting down entirely as part of ongoing shifts in consumer shopping habits and corporate restructuring efforts. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • After Mosey was accused of rape, Bruny urged him to partake in a Haitian rum-bath ritual; when Mosey was acquitted in March 2023, Bruny told him the voodoo gods had taken a hand in the verdict.
    Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • For in this ritual, there is no veil between life and death.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2025
  • But Rue’s story is rooted in addiction, mental illness, and survival—more reflective of an adult world than the everyday experiences of Black teens.
    Krysta Hawkins, Vogue, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • In the post, Brown showed off his shredded physique after less than two months of embarking on his fitness journey.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Johnson portrayed himself as a modern primitive, using his own physique as proof of the effectiveness of this lifestyle.
    Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The exchange doesn’t quite go as planned, and the kidnapper and his crew are way more organized and forward-planning than the detectives anticipated, repeatedly throwing them off the trail with decoys and swaps between motorcyclists all clad in the same head-to-toe black.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025
  • Audience members, some clad in MAGA caps, were largely supportive of Trump.
    Emma Whitford, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Experts and former Elite teachers see similar practices happening at Elite.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • Israel’s Supreme Court outlawed the practice in 2005.
    Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Amazon Just Canceled The No. 2 Show In Its Top 10 List Ergonomic Shape And Angle The MX Ergo S trackball has a shape that’s similar to the legendary Logitech MX 3S mouse, probably one of the most popular premium mice on the market.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Choose a mowing pattern based on your yard’s shape and obstacles—straight lines work well for open spaces, while curves are easier around trees and beds.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Packing cube alternative: Use it to corral small clothing items inside your suitcase for better organization.
    Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 20 May 2025
  • Dressed in the label's clothing, the two looked fashionably formidable in their coordinating ensembles.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Kardashian shared details from her graduation party, like her youngest son Psalm West dressed as a lawyer with a briefcase and lunch placemats depicting her flashcards from studying.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • So Shanks agreed to let the booth (Buxton and analysts James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell) dress more casually on Fridays and Saturdays of a race weekend while still wearing a suit on Sundays — but with an open collar.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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