habit 1 of 2

noun

ˈha-bət How to pronounce habit (audio)
Definition of habitnext
1
as in ritual
a usual manner of behaving or doing it was his habit to rise early

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
as in clothes
archaic covering for the human body dressed in the habit of a knight from the golden age of chivalry

Synonyms & Similar Words

habit

2 of 2

verb

as in to clothe
to outfit with clothes and especially fine or special clothes his exclusive clothing store had habited the town's upper crust for as long as anyone could remember

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
So is the face Manning made Saturday simply a habit? —Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025 This measure reflects the spending habits of younger urban workers rather than retirees. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 As many young workers struggle with punctuality and deadlines, Gomez’s habits reflect professionalism, preparation, and respect. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025 Growing up, my parents spoke about spending habits and the importance of saving. —R29 Team, Refinery29, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
  1. ritual
  2. addiction
  3. physique
  4. clothe
  5. practice
  6. shape
  7. clothing
  8. dress
Noun
  • Wellness is embedded into every touchpoint - from sunrise cacao rituals on the beach to temazcal ceremonies led by local healers.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • That ritual has become both mirror and armor—the quiet mathematics that kept her whole.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • Friends drove him home and tended to him during the episode, which caused Ronson to contemplate his burgeoning addiction.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    — Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of addiction
Noun
  • That is how Elia chances upon Claudia, a personal trainer with the cult of physique but clearly not of mind…In Italian with English subtitles.
    — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Known for their hotdog-like physique, dachshunds are a German breed that have been adopted into many Oktoberfest celebrations.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of physique
Verb
  • My 8-year-old big sister, Lisa, clothed in her first communion dress and veil, her treasured rosary draped in her hands, lay motionless and cold amid the white silken lining, her head upon a white satin pillow.
    — Patti Newton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Fans began cheering as soon as the guitar riffs started, and sang every word of Dua’s cover of the 1978 track with her and her band, all clad in black.
    — Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of clothe
Noun
  • That sentiment even inspired the name of her practice, Nurtured First.
    — Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Others have pointed to Biglari’s practice of hanging his portrait in every Steak ‘n Shake location and the chain’s own financial struggles.
    — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of practice
Noun
  • Researchers at Rice University have developed a soft metamaterial that can quickly change size and shape under remote control.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The Plus by Vestre Set deep in the Norwegian forest, The Plus is one of the most environmentally innovative factories in the world, a furniture maker built in the shape of a massive plus sign, with meaningful sustainable design touches throughout.
    — Ethan Karp, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of shape
Noun
  • The content drew attention to the country’s inequality by contrasting the lives of the children of the country’s elite – with designer clothing and foreign vacations – with images of Nepali migrant workers returning home in coffins from dangerous jobs abroad.
    — Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The lifestyle brand, best known for its range of products from clothing to home goods, boasts an online catalog of quiet luxury items at budget-friendly prices.
    — Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of clothing
Verb
  • The company's founders, dressed in uniform-like blue jackets and khaki pants, rang the bell at the National Stock Exchange to start the trading day.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The numerous burgers include the Grind, which comes dressed with lettuce, tomato, red onions, choice of cheese or build your own; the B&B is made with Brie cheese, bacon, smoked habanero jam; and the Southern is made with sharp cheddar pimento cheese, bacon and spicy dill pickles.
    — Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of dress

Browse Nearby Words

habilitating
habit
habitable
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Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on habit

Nglish: Translation of habit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about habit

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