TIC Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

tic

noun

ˈtik

Definition of tic

as in trick

an odd or peculiar habit constantly playing with her hair is one of her more annoying tics

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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 tic Mocking each other’s writing tics became part of the fun, just as challenging each other to go darker and twistier was part of the adventure. — Scott Westerfeld, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026 After surgery, that device is programmed to send mild electrical impulses that block abnormal nerve signals and dramatically reduce tics. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 July 2026 There are linguistic tics and habits that give away formerly Amish people immediately. — Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026 Nadal, with a wink, recites the various physical tics involved in his serving routine. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tic

Noun

The Cinderella dress that Kaitlyn Argyriou’s mother had sewn for her as a child and which Argyriou’s daughter, Avery, 4, had planned to wear trick-or-treating in Colorado Springs on Halloween.

— Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026
The tips and tricks for maintaining hosiery that used to be passed down by family and friends are in danger of being lost to time and ever-changing fashion trends.

— Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of trick

Noun

Other soccer-like traits at Ryan Field include a very high proportion of the seats being under cover and the striking sight that what Americans across the land have come to know as the Upper Deck experience just does not exist here.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
His ability to square the ball up and not chase out of the strike zone are probably his best traits.

— Jim Bowden, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of trait

Noun

Historically, the Grand Sport has borrowed its design characteristics from the range-topping Z06, and that’s no different this time around.

— Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
This potentially allows the same aircraft platform to undertake different types of strike missions while carrying weapons configured for different target characteristics.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of characteristic

Noun

Her mannerisms, comedy, music, references and cultural touchstones were influenced by the Black woman playing her.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
In a sprightly performance rife with oddball mannerisms, Gnecco gives Borges equal parts impish wisdom, earthy vulgarity and childlike wonder, rarely letting a moment’s silence go unfilled with eager chatter.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of mannerism

Noun

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s equaliser to make it 1-1 in the first half had a mix of what has become the norm while also newish quirk.

— Art de Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Human behavior is complex, leaving plenty of room for cultural quirks and intriguing outliers.

— Mike McRae September 08, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of quirk

Noun

Nor is Gadot a performer inclined to lend much more than athleticism to a role that could use some warmth and idiosyncrasy to color its rather generic action-hero gist.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
There’s no better way to quickly learn a person’s idiosyncrasies than living with them.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of idiosyncrasy

Noun

But what’s especially interesting is the intensity with which Chad Powers approaches Gerry’s fury and eccentricities.

— Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
The personal eccentricities of the two leads, along with their odd-couple vibe, provide most of the show’s humor, but the best reason to watch is Taylor, who shows both stars how it’s done, by stealing the show from under their feet.

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of eccentricity

Noun

Looking for a solution to a nagging health issue or bad habit?

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Differing opinions, interests, schedules, habits, and cleanliness standards can all stack up to turn what was supposed to be a fun group trip into something entirely the opposite.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of habit

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tiaras

tic

tick

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“Tic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tic. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tic

noun

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