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
From the data, researchers noted that different factors played a part in how successful habit forming was. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025 Venus is pushing you to reconsider your investments — personally, professionally and emotionally — while Mars retrograde urges you to revisit everything from your daily habits to the dynamic of your day-to-day affairs. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Some organizations have resources for how people with ADHD can increase their likelihood of engaging in tasks, habits or activities that can help improve their quality of life and life expectancy, including exercise, proper nutrition, dental care and sleep hygiene. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 The new Secretary of State frequently criticized Trump on the 2016 campaign trail, making crude remarks about the size of his hands, his appearance and his Twitter habits. Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for habit 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • As part of this three-step ritual, Berry—and other scalp experts—recommend using a hair mask that can nourish the scalp and the strands.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025
  • The interview, which became a more formal part of the Super Bowl ritual during the Obama administration, has become less of a guarantee in recent years.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Vertex’s new pill is a new alternative for pain relief that comes without the risk of addiction.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Martin compares its narrative to Batman: Year One, a seminal story about the Dark Knight's early life, while the Slayer's physique and screen presence were modeled after Batman in Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Your dream business, routine, partner, setup, physique and disposition.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The hospitality tent is clad in camouflage and adorned with flags from all branches of the military.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Two giant projectors flash clips forecasting bitcoin’s rise into the millions, while a DJ clad in a space helmet directs bass-heavy tracks between the swaying palms.
    Nina Bambysheva, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The union believes some of the company’s health care proposals are unlawful and amount to unfair labor practices.
    Judith Kohler, The Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2025
  • That issue cropped up during the company's normal practice of transferring official White House social media accounts to new control when a presidential administration changes, the company said on Wednesday.
    Katie Paul, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The soft Caribbean light plays tricks to add angles and shapes at different hours of the day; at night, the property takes on an otherworldly vibe by candlelight in the 45-foot, triple-height lobby, with its smooth travertine floors and inviting pool table.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Just as coat type can be unpredictable, the combination of size and shape from two different breeds can vary significantly in each puppy.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • What airline recently banned see-through clothing and ‘lewd’ body art?
    Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2025
  • If travel is necessary, ensure your vehicle is equipped with a winter storm kit, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, a shovel, blankets and extra clothing.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Gracie Abrams Gracie Abrams was dressed in Chanel, featuring a sheer cape that added a romantic touch to her outfit.
    Renan Botelho, WWD, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Quinn Hughes, who got banged up last game against the Stars, did not dress after being listed as a game-time decision.
    Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near habit

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on habit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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