practice 1 of 2

variants also practise

practice

2 of 2

verb

variants also practise
as in to exercise
to do over and over so as to become skilled in order to play the guitar well, you need to practice fingering every single day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun practice differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of practice are custom, habit, usage, and wont. While all these words mean "a way of acting fixed through repetition," practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice.

our practice is to honor all major credit cards

When is it sensible to use custom instead of practice?

The words custom and practice can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When can habit be used instead of practice?

In some situations, the words habit and practice are roughly equivalent. However, habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively.

had a habit of tapping his fingers

When could usage be used to replace practice?

Although the words usage and practice have much in common, 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 is wont a more appropriate choice than practice?

While the synonyms wont and practice are close in meaning, 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 practice
Noun
Ahead of this season, Harbaugh welcomed more than 2,500 military personnel, veterans and their families to two training camp practices at the University of San Diego. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025 Advocates say the practice, done in concert with other management techniques like cutting certain trees to thin out the forest floor, can help restore and maintain ecosystems comprised of fire-tolerant oak trees. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
In Charlotte, skaters today can practice their ollies, kickflips and other moves at Renaissance Park Skate Park. Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025 Schedule annual inspections and practice safe cooking habits to reduce fire and health risks. Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for practice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practice
Noun
  • Though Dylan Efron and Dancing with the Stars partner Daniella Karagach have been consistently scoring on the ABC/Disney+ reality dancing competition series, the duo hit a bit of a snag when the latter accidentally broke the former’s nose during rehearsal.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The latest tests from October 18 to 20 included a full-scale propellant rehearsal and a static-fire test, marking the XQ-3's entry into final flight preparation, with the first flight slated for November or December 2025.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Over the years, Chris Jones has made a habit of praising his line coach, Joe Cullen.
    Emily Curiel, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Saleh on Lucas Cornerback Chase Lucas has won over Saleh with his play and his study habits.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This routine has continued ever since, with seven Ralphies having appeared as the team’s mascot.
    Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The rapid descent of temperatures, which in some cases may reach the upper 20s, raises concerns for agriculture, property maintenance, and daily routines as winter-like conditions arrive.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Make sure to eat a balanced diet and get adequate calories when exercising intensely.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to exercising caution while traveling, Reedy urged people to keep supplies such as a blanket in their car should they get stranded during the snowstorm.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Alex killed Maggie and Paul to both cover up his financial crimes and to stop them from coming up in Paul's pending trial.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Williams, while concluding the trial, brought up the incident and accused Dennis of felonies, the lawsuit says.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This option by Loloi, made in collaboration with fellow HGTV star Joanna Gaines, has a gorgeous neutral pattern that will look at home during any season.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Conservation advocates say the incidents reflect a larger pattern of disorder that can arise when national parks operate without full staffing.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pilot a new income-generating model of its Community Powered training program.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Women’s Power Stride Tab Socks 3-pack Designed with training in mind, this three-pack of no-show socks boasts an interior grip that keeps them from slipping during use.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rather than nagging or framing missteps as failures, create initiation rituals that cue the brain to shift into work mode.
    Ana Homayoun, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Other WAGs observe pre-kickoff rituals, like hosting tailgates, saying prayers or gathering their whole family together to watch the action.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Practice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practice. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on practice

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