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

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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

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 usage Healey against expressed her support for increasing renewable energy usage in Massachusetts. —

Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026 When using the dishwasher or washing machine, run full loads to maximize usage of the water. —

Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026 Chinese lithium-ion battery imports into Pakistan have expanded too, allowing customers to store electricity for 24/7 usage. —

Justin Worland, Time, 10 Feb. 2026 Glenn isn't the only one to run into potential issues with music usage rights. —

Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for usage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for usage

Noun

Volunteers spoke of the risks of verbal and physical confrontations with ICE agents, including the use of pepper spray and other irritants against observers and even arrests.

— Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
It was shared with the AP on condition that the news organization not identify the country whose peacekeepers compiled the findings for internal use by their senior command.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026

Definition of use

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usage

usages

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“Usage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usage. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

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