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
Back in May, A$AP Rocky told The Run-Through podcast that Rihanna had made a habit of stealing from his closet. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2025 Your needs may have changed, so take the time to reevaluate your habits and see what savings your providers offer. Cody Godwin, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025 Numerous mushroom species have similar shapes, colors and habits. Joshua Kellogg, The Conversation, 15 Aug. 2025 Other things like inadequate sleep and unhealthy lifestyle habits can exacerbate feelings of tiredness, reducing resilience and increasing the risk of burnout. Nancy Pulciano, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • Designing an at-home spa experience in your own space transforms everyday routines into serene self-care rituals.
    Jené Luciani Sena , Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • What begins as a strange ritual quickly unravels into a waking nightmare.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Lauren is far from alone in her struggle; There's a subreddit devoted to Feel Free addiction, r/QuittingFeelFree, and a larger community r/QuittingKratom, with more than 50,000 members.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The pain and pleasure of revenge, in other words, were identical to the pain and pleasure associated with addiction.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • A lot of Kerstin’s desire has been pooled toward improving all parts of his game, not least of which is his physique.
    Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025
  • That's when play-by-play announcer Michael Kay couldn't help but bring up Doncic's impressive new physique while encouraging him to throw shade at the Mavericks.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Next to me line cooks, sous-chefs, and other assorted restaurant workers clad in athleisure are limbering up in the middle of a narrow street in downtown Manhattan, the skyscrapers casting us into shadow in the sunny weather.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The main level is open and airy and anchored by a dramatic double-sided fireplace clad in vertical strips of wood, a motif that repeats throughout the home.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Quick hits and thoughts as the Dolphins prepare for the third and final week of preseason, culminating in Thursday’s joint practice with the Jaguars in Miami Gardens and Saturday’s preseason finale against Jacksonville at Hard Rock Stadium (7 p.m., CBS 4).
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The Horned Frogs have the next two days off before returning to practice Tuesday.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Coach Andy Reid recently said his player is in tip-top shape.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Many organizations proudly claim their identity security is in good shape; 74% rate themselves as advanced or established.
    Arun Shrestha, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Last month, a 6-year-old student told his mother after class that Stormont had touched his lower parts over his clothing, the arrest report read.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Highlights include free services and giveaways including groceries, diapers, backpacks, clothing, haircuts and more.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Slovakia unfolds like a storybook—picture Bratislava’s old town leaning into the Danube—dressed with pastel façades, winding alleys, and medieval towers.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The garden salad was refreshing, with iceberg lettuce, cucumber and cherry tomatoes dressed with homemade ranch dressing with the taste of fresh dill.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on habit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!