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
With Hollywood at last giving the mega-exhibitor the certainty in its supply of tentpole releases needed to get film lovers back in the habit of going to the multiplex, Wedbush analyst Alicia Reese on Friday upgraded stock in AMC from neutral to outperform and set a $4.00 price target, from $3.00. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025 The episode’s uneasy conclusion foreshadows the many obstacles, habits, and hangups the couple must tackle on the road to long-term happiness—something Linklater’s movie never has to consider (though its equally superb sequels do, in great depth). Judy Berman, Time, 10 July 2025 Experts have noted costs of doing business and changing habits of state residents as reasons for some eateries closing. Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2025 Give my alter ego a name, describe their key characteristics, daily habits, and decision-making style. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • The ritual, the rhythm, and the sleep that followed – deep and undisturbed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
  • Amenities include a purifying bath ritual, pools, soaks, quiet spaces, dining, a fitness studio and wellness activities.
    Rose Androwich, jsonline.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • They are individually haunted by grief and addiction, unable to really be what each other needs.
    Hattie Williams July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • That none of its victims died provides a glimmer of hope that the scourge of addiction has emerged from the shadows of society.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • In the comments section, fans and fellow stars were impressed by the 43-year-old's physique.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Even host Terry Crews, known for his own buff physique, was impressed.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • One wall is clad with posters of Denzel Washington, Janet Jackson and movies and shows.
    Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 19 July 2025
  • Four years later, also in Harper’s Weekly, Nast drew a donkey clothed in lion’s skin, scaring away all the animals at the zoo.
    Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • The practice of succession planting gives gardeners a chance to extend the garden season and promotes soil health by keeping your garden beds active.
    Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
  • Good conservation practice demands a harmonious union of science and artistry.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Anderson, specifically, took the bob one step further, adding micro bangs to round out the shape.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
  • In addition to the new sound, the shape of the 6 N is obviously quite a bit different than that of the SUV-silhouette of the Ioniq 5.
    Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • According to this report, there’s concern about an AI companion named Bad Rudy, who is described as vulgar and antagonizing, and an AI companion named Ani, who is described as willing to shed her clothing.
    Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Dress for comfort: Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing to stay cool.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • In another, cucumber kimchi, a fresh and crunchy side dressed in gochujang with a fiery kick that cuts through the richness filling the rest of my tray.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
  • There, leaning against the edge of his desk, dressed in his trademark grey suit, is the first-ever Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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