second nature

noun

Definition of second naturenext
as in ritual
a usual manner of behaving or doing speaking and thinking in Japanese simply became second nature to her during the years she spent in Kyoto

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 second nature That much choice may seem daunting but the buttons and dials are intuitive enough that using them becomes second nature. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026 Using a needle or a toothpick, Edmond had successfully placed the two organs in contact, in a gesture that has since become second nature to vanilla growers around the world. — Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026 Losing, again In the same way that winning becomes a habit for table-toppers, losing becomes second nature for teams struggling towards the bottom of the Premier League. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Even though the playbook and the verbiage is second nature to him, building that connection with Iamaleava is crucial to him earning the starting spot. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for second nature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for second nature
  1. ritual
  2. habit
  3. way
  4. trick
  5. practice
  6. custom
Noun
  • Her playlist doubles as a spiritual cleansing ritual, with Jhené Aiko providing affirmations and SZA reminding her that enlightenment won’t protect you from situationships.
    — Precious Fondren, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Slow beauty is the trend reshaping how younger shoppers buy skincare in 2026, swapping the 10-step routine for fewer products and more deliberate rituals.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • Experts share the habits and triggers to avoid, plus the remedies that could help alleviate a persistent hack following a respiratory infection.
    — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Deer also commonly abandon typical daytime habits and begin moving about in search of a mate, DEEP said.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of habit
Noun
  • This also had a boat trip included, a lovely way to cool off after a day walking Barcelona’s lanes.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Charlotte won the rebound battle 51 to 44, but left the Pistons open way too often and were sloppy with the ball, committing 25 turnovers.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of way
Noun
  • Even at the album’s more sedate tempos, gyrofield still delivers the manic intensity that marks their best work, building luscious tension with an arsenal of top-shelf production tricks.
    — Lisle Younger, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Trader Joe’s focaccia, sliced and toasted, will do the trick, or their ciabatta, sliced into small squares.
    — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • Out of practice and endurance, Dylan’s voice is fraying and weak.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Cooks in the Farm-to-Fork capital can choose between organic turkeys, heritage breeds with more dark meat and complex flavors, and poultry raised using regenerative agricultural practices which protect soil health.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of practice
Noun
  • The feature can also generate weekly spending charts, payment calendars and custom dashboards based on the financial information users want to track.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails steps away in a part of the courtyard wrapped in a romantic mauve pink that colored the curtains, custom loungers, and drink tables.
    — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of custom

Browse Nearby Words

seconding
second nature
second-rate
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Cite this Entry

“Second nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second%20nature. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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