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

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

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
What things like weekly releases, time slots, and appointment television do is establish a habit. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025 For decades, wellness wasn't a part of chef Roy Choi's eating habits, but reaching for fast food, chips, and snacks all the time wasn't sustainable. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025 Restrictive eating habits, including under-eating and fasting Slim bodies Heather Rosen, Ph.D, the director of the eating disorders program at Psychology Partners Group, agrees with the danger assessment. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025 The plot is complicated in that the characters make a habit of abrupt changes of heart and earnest speeches explaining said changes, but simple in that we’re never left in any doubt as to what’s eventually supposed to happen. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • While the set comes with a small Kanuma pumice incense holder, the brand’s bronze asymmetrical beauty—designed in collaboration with Vogel Studio—gives the ritual of burning incense an elegant flair.
    Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Francis wanted his burial ritual simplified, with less opulence, in keeping with his view that the church should serve the poor.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Measures are in place to help people struggling with addiction, such as fentanyl test strips and the use of Narcan to rescue a person currently overdosing on opioids.
    Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Kennedy described addiction as both a source of misery and a symptom of deeper pain, drawing from his own experience of trying to fill an emotional void with drugs.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dever, thankfully, did not try to achieve a bodybuilder physique for the show, and Abby never should have had one in the game.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 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
  • The attackers — both clad in black and wearing blue surgical masks — sped off in a gray Nissan sedan with West Virginia tags.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The alleged assassin, clad in khaki prison garb, entered the plea in federal court in New York on Friday, April 25.
    Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While some partake in more traditional practices like prayer or mass on Easter Sunday, others enjoy a more secular interpretation with baskets, egg decorating, egg hunting, and of course, the Easter Bunny.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Storing eggs at room temperature: While this might be common practice in other countries, in the U.S., eggs are washed before being sold, removing their protective coating (bloom).
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Gutekunst overhauled this position last offseason and the Packers should be in good shape for the foreseeable future.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs shape and reinforce what’s affordable, what’s available, and, ultimately, whose cultures get priced out of reach.
    Karen Yuan, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Where to Shop Freethinkers General Store Owner Lisa Jenkins handpicks each item for Freethinkers General Store, which sells clothing, jewelry, bags, shoes, and gifts such as candles, games, notebooks, and puzzles.
    Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Allergens can enter your home on shoes, clothing, pet fur, and even your own hair, according to Marilee Nelson, an environmental and toxin expert and the cofounder of Branch Basics.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Photo: Courtesy of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week In 2026, the bride will not be all dressed in white.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
  • He was spotted dressed as a fisherman catching Hudson – a mermaid – in one snap during Halloween.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on habit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!