USAGE Synonyms: 10 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'usage' differ from other similar words?

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

Q: Where would 'custom' be a reasonable alternative to 'usage'?

The synonyms custom and usage are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Q: When could 'habit' be used to replace 'usage'?

In some situations, the words habit and usage are roughly equivalent. However, habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively. // had a habit of tapping his fingers

Q: When might 'practice' be a better fit than 'usage'?

The words practice and usage are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice. // our practice is to honor all major credit cards

Q: When is 'wont' a more appropriate choice than 'usage'?

While in some cases nearly identical to usage , wont usually applies to a habitual manner, method, or practice of an individual or group. // as was her wont , she slept until noon

usage

noun

ˈyü-sij

Definition of usage next

as in use

the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose the machine's warranty does not cover malfunctions that result from improper usage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun usage differ from other similar words?

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

Where would custom be a reasonable alternative to usage?

The synonyms custom and usage are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When could habit be used to replace usage?

In some situations, the words habit and usage are roughly equivalent. However, habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively.

had a habit of tapping his fingers

When might practice be a better fit than usage?

The words practice and usage are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice.

our practice is to honor all major credit cards

When is wont a more appropriate choice than usage?

While in some cases nearly identical to usage, wont usually applies to a habitual manner, method, or practice of an individual or group.

as was her wont, she slept until noon

Examples 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 usage This data enables personalized recommendations for optimal cannabis usage, ensuring users get the most out of their wellness products without trial and error. —

Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 18 Dec. 2024 Fortunately, wide availability and usage of vaccines means that most of us no longer need to monitor COVID-19 updates with that same obsessive fervor. —

Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 18 Dec. 2024 Advertisement Many people in Hollywood have expressed concerns regarding the growth of AI, AI’s impact on jobs and how artists will get compensated for AI’s usage of their likeness. —

Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 And that applies to any usage of RCS from iPhones—it is never fully encrypted. —

Zak Doffman, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for usage