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
Nevertheless, rethinking your alcohol drinking habits can help protect your health and reduce your cancer risk. Pranoti Mandrekar, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025 Please get into the habit of shredding as much as possible all year long. Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025 Wen: This study examined dietary habits of people through their 40s, 50s and 60s. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025 As global media and consumption habits evolve, the NBA wishes to capitalize on opportunities to produce games in new and unique ways, the commissioner said. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • In 2025, that emotional fast food ritual is back, this time pixelated and playfully spicy.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The fitness influencer recently achieved immense internet fame after a Feb. 7 video showcasing his six-hour wellness ritual recirculated across different social media platforms.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • During Allen’s parole hearing, Jerry Goodwin, then warden at the David Wade Correctional Center in Homer, where Allen was being held, lauded Allen for his tireless work overcoming his drug addictions and improving his communication skills.
    Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Mark Pellington directs the conspiracy thriller about a troubled vet (Gladstone) struggling with addiction who is recruited by a contractor (Cranston) for a covert government plot to assassinate a high-level politician.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The actress and model, 59, showed off her toned physique while wearing a revealing black and white bikini on Instagram.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Michigan cornerback Will Johnson Johnson looks like Jalen Ramsey in appearance, physique, and style of play.
    Omar Kelly, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Mourners clad in black and white streamed into the theater and some doubled over in tears as a recording of Pérez singing the national anthem played.
    Martín Adames Alcántara, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Kid Rock in the Oval Office—executive order, clad in a loud red outfit and a cowboy hat with rhinestones, executive order.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The first 20 years of my career were at Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH), and my devotion was to the practice of medicine, caring for the critically ill and provide lifesaving opportunity to those in need of cardiac transplantation.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The bill would have allowed for proxy voting for new parents for 12 weeks, a practice Johnson deems unconstitutional.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For now, the economy remains in solid shape by several key measures.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Its rectangular shape evokes a vintage cigarette pouch, and every detail harks back to the fashion house’s extensive, industry-defining legacy.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The tariffs will have an impact on just about everyone, from farmers unable to sell to China, to higher prices at home for everything from toys and clothing to high-tech electronics.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Wade inspired a line of clothing from Pirate Worldwide, an apparel company that has a purposeful story behind all its products.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Witnesses saw five males dressed in black running from the scene.
    Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Within seconds, the door was opened by a faceless robot dressed in a beige bodysuit that clung tight to its trim waist and long legs.
    Cade Metz, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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