habit 1 of 2

Definition of habitnext
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
The first seven episodes are measured and considered, without some of the worst habits of the series in its lesser seasons and episodes (there are no quasi-dream-like states or self-congratulatory flourishes, thank goodness). Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 25 June 2026 Evening habits can significantly affect blood sugar, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks before bed may help improve glucose control. Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 June 2026 Format influences whether someone actually maintains the habit. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026 Types of Lenses Lens selection usually depends on daily habits. Footwear News, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • Toni and Shakira appeared to be in trouble after one of the show’s most meta humiliation rituals, in which the group is treated to a showing of clips of themselves having private conversations about their castmates and lovers.
    Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 27 June 2026
  • Because Capricorn is an Earth sign, Thomas shared rituals connected to nature may feel especially powerful during this lunar phase.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Once open, the program will provide transitional housing and on-site services to people who are chronically homeless and struggling with drug addiction, mental health or all types of disabilities.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • Adelson, a doctor who has focused on addiction, is the majority shareholder of Las Vegas Sands, a casino company, and a majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team.
    Eric Lau, Washington Post, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Suggesting that the media and fashion industries promote extremely thin female bodies and lean, muscular male physiques, the researchers concluded that has normalized unsafe body sizes.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 June 2026
  • Johnson's appearance sparked buzz when fans noticed his visibly slimmer physique at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • The best Prime Day clothing deals tend to change day by day, so check back in over the course of the event to shop all the newest and most exciting markdowns.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 23 June 2026
  • Of course, those who’ve shopped the sale before know that many of the best Amazon Prime Day deals aren’t in the clothing department at all.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • When the bullhorn blared and the stretching ended, more than 80 Falcons players clad in red and white scattered in different directions.
    Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 27 June 2026
  • Inside a historic church on Park Avenue, two dancers clothed in blue-and-pink brocade twirl up and down the aisles to a string-heavy soundtrack.
    Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The boy died during practice runs at Mason Motocross in Mason County on Sunday morning, CBS affiliate WOWK reported.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • The Chiefs’ 2026 tight end room is crowded, so Pline’s most likely path could be finding a home on the team’s practice squad.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Leadership overhaul shapes direction The draft comes amid a broader organizational reset.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • Thousands of them just bought these affordable, best-selling flip-flops with a foam footbed that adapts to the shape of your foot over time, offering custom comfort and support.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The model’s attire was crafted with a delicate lace material and two unique botanical motifs.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
  • The pair can be seen dressed in black, elegant attire with bright smiles on their faces.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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