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

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 tic 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 Services are available that humanize AI tics. — Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 4 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

Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s route to the final, opening his World Cup with a hat-trick against Algeria and scoring in each of his team’s matches up to and including the round of 16.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
The key manufacturing trick was direct ink writing, a form of 3D printing.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of trick

Noun

This moment highlighted his enduring intensity, a trait the Blue Jays value, especially as younger players navigate the pressures of a playoff race.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
These are potentially key traits for Emery this season, given the number of departures this summer, including Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa.

— Aston Villa, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of trait

Noun

The long-term difference could be dramatic The researchers also fed the characteristics of each driving style into a battery-aging model to estimate longer-term capacity loss.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Organizations that successfully operationalize AI in supply chain environments tend to share several common characteristics.

— George Ninikas, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of characteristic

Noun

On April 14, 2020, Cline was a complete unknown; by April 16, millions of viewers had spent 10 full hours absorbing the actress’ every gesture and mannerism, a blast of immersive exposure that generates a whole other level of parasocial intimacy.

— Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
Says strange things and has funny little mannerisms, but within lies a devastatingly sharp mind which can produce something special that people will be talking about for years.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of mannerism

Noun

The film leans on the cafe’s constant churn of strangers coming and going to draw out each character’s voice, temperament and quirks at a brisk clip.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Independent hotels and small brands will gain access to capabilities once reserved for global chains while preserving their architecture, quirks and local service.

— Roman Pedan, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of quirk

Noun

If LRMs can supercharge mathematics research the way AlphaFold did for computational biology, this line of thinking goes, why not embrace them, idiosyncrasies and all, and just verify the results?

— John Pavlus, Quanta Magazine, 31 July 2026
Nolan said that Odysseus’ idiosyncrasies were challenging to adapt.

— Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Definition of idiosyncrasy

Noun

Some Venus signs prefer seduction through mystery and minimalism, while others enjoy eccentricity or perhaps even maximalism.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
How much funnier Shakespeare’s motley crew can be when we’re allowed to discover the variety of eccentricity and ludicrousness on display for ourselves.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Definition of eccentricity

Noun

Experts suggest role modeling moderation, such as eating produce and protein—and a treat here or there, too—can also help a child build truly healthy and sustainable eating habits.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 22 Aug. 2026
Anyone with a scrolling habit will know that social media can be a soothing place for the downbeat and lonely.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of habit

Browse Nearby Words

tiaras

tic

tick

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“Tic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tic. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tic

noun

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