as in tricks
an odd or peculiar habit constantly playing with her hair is one of her more annoying tics
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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 tics Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that may cause involuntary movements and vocal tics, sometimes involving outbursts of inappropriate language, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —
Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026 During the first 30 minutes of the show, Davidson repeatedly issued loud, involuntary vocal tics that were clear to those in the audience and on clips later circulated on social media. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2026 Brooks is still wont to assume that social crises are a function of our personal habits, not economic or political injustice, and his methodological tics are the same as ever. —Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 Once Ida is revived, Buckley is rife with tics and guttural asides, switching between rat-a-tat mobster slang and Shelley’s flowery English prose like some postmodern literary Gollum. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026 In the mid-2010s, Young Thug borrowed from Future’s melodic blueprint, only for Future to co-opt Thug’s avant-garde vocal tics to get even weirder in his own right. —Serge Selenou, Pitchfork, 3 Mar. 2026 Davidson’s Tourette’s causes involuntary tics, and he was heard cursing throughout the show, however the BBC failed to censor the N-word during its broadcast, causing further harm. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026 Davidson has coprolalia, where one’s involuntary tics are offensive and inappropriate. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 Mar. 2026 Deadline journalists sat towards the back of the room said the N-word and other slurs were audible, as were gasps when Davidson made his involuntary tics. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026
Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026 During the first 30 minutes of the show, Davidson repeatedly issued loud, involuntary vocal tics that were clear to those in the audience and on clips later circulated on social media. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2026 Brooks is still wont to assume that social crises are a function of our personal habits, not economic or political injustice, and his methodological tics are the same as ever. —Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 Once Ida is revived, Buckley is rife with tics and guttural asides, switching between rat-a-tat mobster slang and Shelley’s flowery English prose like some postmodern literary Gollum. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026 In the mid-2010s, Young Thug borrowed from Future’s melodic blueprint, only for Future to co-opt Thug’s avant-garde vocal tics to get even weirder in his own right. —Serge Selenou, Pitchfork, 3 Mar. 2026 Davidson’s Tourette’s causes involuntary tics, and he was heard cursing throughout the show, however the BBC failed to censor the N-word during its broadcast, causing further harm. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026 Davidson has coprolalia, where one’s involuntary tics are offensive and inappropriate. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 Mar. 2026 Deadline journalists sat towards the back of the room said the N-word and other slurs were audible, as were gasps when Davidson made his involuntary tics. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tics
Noun
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From fusion tapas restaurants to a minor league baseball team, Dunedin has plenty of delightful tricks up its sleeve.— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
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On a recent thread on the r/GLP1microdosing subreddit, women shared their tips and tricks for hiding medication from their partners.— Rebecca Flint Marx, SELF, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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She’s given it her face, her voice, her mannerisms.— Tim Requarth, Longreads, 9 Apr. 2026
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Malcolm’s teenage daughter, Leah (Keeley Karsten), nails Malcolm’s mannerisms and resembles Muniz.— Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The projection is tricky because the body type is so unusual, but the movement traits and disruptive flashes are worth a long look.— Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
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Miami’s staff views Ford’s power, foot speed and character as positive traits.— Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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He was given considerable access to the behind-the-scenes activities of the show’s production and to many of its stars and staff, none of whom have much to say beyond expressing bemusement at some of Michaels’ personal quirks and habits or praise for his taste in comedy.— Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
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Though each songwriter’s individual preoccupations and quirks are on display here, the interplay between Adducci and Grigoroff makes this feel like a joint effort.— David Harris, SPIN, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The unusual characteristics of dark matter have prompted scientists to search beyond the standard model of particle physics for particles that could comprise it.— Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026
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This is particularly important for individuals who have concealed their characteristics and do not meet the autism or ADHD descriptions.— Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As the Moon moves into Cancer, your attention shifts to spending, priorities, and the habits tied to both.— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
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Our beliefs, attitudes and habits can either reinforce or challenge ageism.— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The curators will swap things in and out as they get used to the eccentricities of the new building.— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
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Her Catherine is less defined by the quirky, appealing eccentricities of Mary-Louise Parker’s performance in the original 2000 Broadway staging, but is girded by a certain angry resignation, fearful of what life might have in store, furious too, yet seething with a will to defy it all.— Greg Evans, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Most of the videos are gentle teasing about the idiosyncrasies of working at a bar or retreads of other viral videos.— Lauren Chapman, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026
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An analysis of the previous plans by the New York Times pointed out some idiosyncrasies in the design, among them, that its grand staircase didn't lead to the ballroom and there was no door on the side facing the staircase.— Arden Farhi, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/tics. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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