Synonym Chooser

How is the word habitual distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of habitual are accustomed, customary, usual, and wonted. While all these words mean "familiar through frequent or regular repetition," habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

How does the word accustomed relate to other synonyms for habitual?

Accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom.

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

When can customary be used instead of habitual?

The meanings of customary and habitual largely overlap; however, customary applies to what accords with the practices, conventions, or usages of an individual or community.

the customary waiting period before the application is approved

When would usual be a good substitute for habitual?

In some situations, the words usual and habitual are roughly equivalent. However, usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

In what contexts can wonted take the place of habitual?

Although the words wonted and habitual have much in common, wonted stresses habituation but usually applies to what is favored, sought, or purposefully cultivated.

his wonted determination

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 habitual For healthy individuals, moderate habitual coffee consumption is generally okay. Lauren O'Connor, Health, 16 June 2025 Messi was omnipresent, but Sergio Busquets struggled to make a difference in his habitual holding midfield role. Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 15 June 2025 The three habitual criminal sentence enhancers allowed the judge to lengthen Jones’ sentence. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025 Outcome This is a success story from real life, based on a typical elder situation where reckless habitual spending and memory loss create financial danger. Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for habitual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habitual
Adjective
  • For those with a loved one facing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another chronic illness, the program will help participants better understand the costs of caregiving and the benefits of early planning.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • Mitchell viewed his position as intrinsically connected to Eales, who brought him to the club at the start of July and then announced two months later he had been diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Marte — a frequent housing development opponent whose district includes the Elizabeth Street Garden — also committed to supporting two other rezonings to build roughly an additional 500 affordable units in the area, Mastro said.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
  • Leavitt sources his wood locally, from city streets and other urban spaces in the Greater Los Angeles area — a frequent backdrop in Lynch's films.
    Emma Bowman, NPR, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Most regular smokers begin in their teenage years, with nearly 90% of them picking up the habit before turning 18, according to the Ministry of Health.
    Lisa Klaassen, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
  • The Fever announced Clark’s absence in a status report before the game, which will not count towards the team’s regular season standings.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • High-criticality or hard-to-access assets often justify remote, real-time solutions (e.g., IoT sensors), while less-critical assets might only need handheld tools or periodic checks.
    Ed Garibian, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • The footage captured by the drones will be also subject to periodic audits.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Your dog was drinking more water to try and maintain hydration but once the stomach is irritated enough to keep vomiting, a cause needs to be identified, and medications are needed to stop the repeated vomiting.
    Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 8 June 2025
  • If finding a soulmate in the urban sprawl of Los Angeles is a long and arduous journey, one studded with minefields erupting in confusion, anxiety and repeated dismay, then let the body lead the way.
    Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Habitual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habitual. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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