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
Incorporating a high-protein diet, high-intensity exercise, strengthening, and better sleep habits are among the ways to boost your metabolism naturally. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 1 May 2025 California’s governors and legislators have a very bad habit of enacting major programs and projects without fully exploring their downside risks. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 1 May 2025 The venture arrives at a time when streaming platforms continue to reshape viewing habits in India, with audiences increasingly open to experimental formats and narratives. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025 What are your daily habits for your overall well-being? Renée Onque, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • While the set comes with a small Kanuma pumice incense holder, the brand’s bronze asymmetrical beauty—designed in collaboration with Vogel Studio—gives the ritual of burning incense an elegant flair.
    Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Francis wanted his burial ritual simplified, with less opulence, in keeping with his view that the church should serve the poor.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Measures are in place to help people struggling with addiction, such as fentanyl test strips and the use of Narcan to rescue a person currently overdosing on opioids.
    Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Kennedy described addiction as both a source of misery and a symptom of deeper pain, drawing from his own experience of trying to fill an emotional void with drugs.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At Coen’s instruction, Harvey’s shirtless photo from the combine was projected onto part of the screen covering the far wall, displaying the running back’s muscular physique.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • What Are The Benefits? Beyond the promise of a more toned physique, Dr. Levine explained that Emsculpt Neo offers serious functional benefits too.
    Essence, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The attackers — both clad in black and wearing blue surgical masks — sped off in a gray Nissan sedan with West Virginia tags.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The alleged assassin, clad in khaki prison garb, entered the plea in federal court in New York on Friday, April 25.
    Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Everything about the transition is overwhelming, from the skill of the other players on the court to the length of practices, so Rivers said she’s tried to be patient with her progress early on.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2025
  • Shamanism, anthropologist Manvir Singh’s debut, traces the evolution of the titular spiritual practice.
    Shannon Carlin, Time, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • From long-lasting formulas to felt pens that behave almost like calligraphy markers, there’s an option for every skill level, eye shape, and makeup mood.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs shape and reinforce what’s affordable, what’s available, and, ultimately, whose cultures get priced out of reach.
    Karen Yuan, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Allergens can enter your home on shoes, clothing, pet fur, and even your own hair, according to Marilee Nelson, an environmental and toxin expert and the cofounder of Branch Basics.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Fast fashion refers to the rapid production and distribution of inexpensive, trendy clothing.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • He was spotted dressed as a fisherman catching Hudson – a mermaid – in one snap during Halloween.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Photo: Courtesy of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week In 2026, the bride will not be all dressed in white.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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