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
Cultural fluency also means reconciling work habits. Nathanael Bondu, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025 Researchers surveyed 125 people undergoing a routine screening colonoscopy (which is recommended starting at age 45) about their smartphone toilet habits, as well as other lifestyle behaviors related to pooping. Erica Sloan, SELF, 5 Sep. 2025 Eclipses in this zone are wake-up calls, reminding you that daily habits either lift you or drain you. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Aug. 2025 Reuben’s comments inspired me to consider my habit and to listen to my body, which was clearly giving me signals. Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • Shot against the stunning backdrops of New Zealand, the campaign shows how even the smallest moments of a morning ritual — from the hiss of steam to the first swirl of crema — can embody calm and indulgence.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Their 13th album, International, interprets the ritual of early retirement sendoff as a boisterous dance party with plenty of music royalty cameos showing up to pay their respects.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And Sheen does find the words to tell more harrowing stories of addiction and excess that defined his Hollywood spiral.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, he is now becoming known for his amazing physique having placed 3rd in a fitness contest.
    Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In one picture, the married couple's younger son, Joaquin, looked like a spitting image of his dad, both showing off their toned physiques in a shirtless snap by the water.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The counterprotesters stationed themselves on the first floor in the center of the City Hall rotunda while the police union marched in circles above them around the second-floor atrium outside the mayor's office, clad in black MPA T-shirts.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • For starters, hundreds of fans clad in Chiefs gear and bearing signs greeted them with various degrees of giddiness as the team passed through customs late Wednesday night.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The development pool is designed to give younger players access to daily practices, training sessions and a dedicated performance staff.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The Panthers should probably promote practice-squad linebacker Krys Barnes in the coming weeks as insurance for Trevin Wallace, who was a major liability in Week 1 after a really strong summer.
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The set comes with seven pumpkins in a variety of shapes and sizes to line up across the mantel, and can easily stand alone or be added to a full display with garlands and candles.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The phone box has an important connection to its location, as the man who designed the K2 model of classic British phone boxes, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, drew inspiration from the Dulwich Picture Gallery's mausoleum when creating its unique shape.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Then, there were some pictures that had great clothing, or a great emotional connection.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Now, thrift stores and clothing markets from Bulgaria to the Czech Republic are groaning with castoffs.
    The Editors, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This top has a loose, oversized fit that can be worn with baggy jeans for a more preppy look or tucked into trousers to dress it up.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Guests are encouraged to dress in 1920s–40s chic attire while enjoying casino games, raffles, and live entertainment that channels the glitz of old Harlem.
    Tiffani Jackson Skinner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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