habit 1 of 2

Definition of habitnext
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

4

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

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
Over the years, Hershey has taken a turn toward snacks other than chocolate or candy, boosting its brands with salty snacks from pretzels to popcorn, and diversifying its business to keep up with consumer habits. David P. Willis, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 She was dedicated to teaching people fitness and healthy eating habits to make a difference. Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026 For parents trying to model good screen habits or families looking for an excuse to disconnect, the reward of a free Icedream Cone adds a playful incentive to something many already want to do but find difficult in practice. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 Yet the same study found significant disapproval of the habit. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • Celebrating love is universal, but the exact rites and rituals vary.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
  • For many, the day is less a one-time outing and more a ritual.
    Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The markets, which include Polymarket and its chief rival Kalshi, have been criticized for everything from undermining the integrity of sports to contributing to an online betting addiction crisis among young men.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Ibogaine, a naturally occurring compound from a shrub native to Africa, is used to treat depression, anxiety, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder and brain trauma.
    Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But with Thieneman and McNeil-Warren off the board, the Bears add a pass rusher instead with Young, who has a physique like he’s built in a lab.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Amachree’s physique that has caught the attention of KU’s coaching staff and teammates alike.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Bathrooms are big and feel extremely luxurious; clad in marble, with rain showers and big bathtubs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Elsewhere in the photoshoot, Hosk swam in a pool, clad in a white graphic T-shirt and black underwear.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Princess Elizabeth, far left, was pictured with the rest of the Challenge Cup swimming team ahead of practice at the Bath Club in 1939.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Mapping that terrain is a social practice.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The movement of Pinnock and Cheek drags out Gillingham’s defensive shape.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Nicotine, marijuana and excess alcohol have all been linked to lower sperm count, poor motility and abnormal shape.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Joshua Jackson celebrates the Banana Republic and The Explorers Club partnership at the clothing brand's flagship store in New York City on April 16.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Some leaders from southern states also turned up in Parliament dressed in black as a mark of protest.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • That started with Paul Maurice wearing khaki shorts and a breezy, blue shirt, as if to dress himself into a good mood — or at least try after a season when his two-time Stanley Cup champions admirably walked the gangplank.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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