habit 1 of 2

1
2
as in addiction
a physiological need for certain drugs a cocaine habit of long standing

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in physique
the type of body that a person has an imposing man of vigorous habit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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habit

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun habit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of habit are custom, practice, usage, and wont. While all these words mean "a way of acting fixed through repetition," habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively.

had a habit of tapping his fingers

When is it sensible to use custom instead of habit?

Although the words custom and habit have much in common, 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

In what contexts can practice take the place of habit?

In some situations, the words practice and habit are roughly equivalent. However, practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice.

our practice is to honor all major credit cards

When could usage be used to replace habit?

While the synonyms usage and habit are close in meaning, 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 can wont be used instead of habit?

The synonyms wont and habit are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 habit
Noun
Joe Rogan is being criticized online for a bad habit during a recent episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025 Bedding Never make a habit of going too long between bedding washes. Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 24 May 2025 Cloud cybersecurity company Zscaler has gotten into a habit of reporting upside surprises, Cramer added The Labor Department will release an important inflation metric, the personal consumption expenditures report. Julie Coleman, CNBC, 23 May 2025 Turns out layering on all the hair products in the world can’t fix a head that’s suffering due to bad habits. Mónica Heras, Vogue, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • The other Cuban beauty wedding rituals included a milk and honey face mask in the days leading up to the wedding (to brighten the skin), and to wash your hair the night before with rainwater (for good luck)—and are both practically required.
    Carolina Dalia Gonzalez, Vogue, 22 May 2025
  • From daily rituals to deep healing, discover how to prioritize mental wellbeing in today’s evolving cultural and professional landscape.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • For more: read Jamie Lee Curtis, in conversation with Rachel Syme, on addiction, beauty standards, and encounters with Bette Davis.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
  • And with people who are health-conscious, the amount of alcohol or any other addiction is extremely low.
    Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • In the post, Brown showed off his shredded physique after less than two months of embarking on his fitness journey.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Her body is arguably the physique of the average woman.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The exchange doesn’t quite go as planned, and the kidnapper and his crew are way more organized and forward-planning than the detectives anticipated, repeatedly throwing them off the trail with decoys and swaps between motorcyclists all clad in the same head-to-toe black.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025
  • Audience members, some clad in MAGA caps, were largely supportive of Trump.
    Emma Whitford, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Experts and former Elite teachers see similar practices happening at Elite.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • Israel’s Supreme Court outlawed the practice in 2005.
    Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • By factoring in island shape, reef type and location, scientists and policymakers can make smarter, more effective decisions.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The Buckeyes are in good shape for the foreseeable future with former five-stars Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair both on the roster, but most programs like to take a quarterback every year.
    Grace Raynor, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Packing cube alternative: Use it to corral small clothing items inside your suitcase for better organization.
    Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 20 May 2025
  • Dressed in the label's clothing, the two looked fashionably formidable in their coordinating ensembles.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Kardashian shared details from her graduation party, like her youngest son Psalm West dressed as a lawyer with a briefcase and lunch placemats depicting her flashcards from studying.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • The fantastical album cover depicts Gray dressed like a sailor floating on a pillow and holding a large wishbone of the album’s namesake.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on habit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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