wont 1 of 3

wont

2 of 3

noun

wont

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wont differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of wont are custom, habit, practice, and usage. While all these words mean "a way of acting fixed through repetition," wont usually applies to a habitual manner, method, or practice of an individual or group.

as was her wont, she slept until noon

When could custom be used to replace wont?

The words custom and wont are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 might habit be a better fit than wont?

While the synonyms habit and wont are close in meaning, habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively.

had a habit of tapping his fingers

Where would practice be a reasonable alternative to wont?

The synonyms practice and wont are sometimes interchangeable, but practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice.

our practice is to honor all major credit cards

When would usage be a good substitute for wont?

Although the words usage and wont have much in common, 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wont
Adjective
  • While tariffs are driving up car prices and threatening profit margins, the government data showed that prices of both new and used vehicles fell in June from May — a reminder that the duties aren’t the only consideration.
    Jonathan Levin, Twin Cities, 20 July 2025
  • The findings suggested that the 25 percent auto tariffs imposed in April, alongside the 50 percent metals tariffs targeting the European Union (EU), Mexico, and Canada, have affected new and used car prices, impacting average Americans seeking budget vehicles.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • The United States has tried repeatedly to wean itself off immigrant employment, but cheap labor is a tough habit to kick.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • This formula/habit/trend does not typically occur across the pond, so shortening 'Edgware Road' to 'Edgware,' does pose an issue.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Train managers to initiate—not just relay—purpose conversations.
    HEC Paris Insights, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Some of those people, joined by younger tribal members, later initiated the long process of restoring their lifeblood, the Klamath River and its watershed.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • The older penguins have needed to become accustomed to the new habitat.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
  • In a region where Democrats have grown accustomed to disappointment, two moves in as many days shifted the political landscape—and, marking a rare occurrence, in their favor.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • From fashion tips and tricks to tween and teen hair and nails, our back-to-school style guide has a little bit of everything.
    Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 29 July 2025
  • Over the years, Johnson has learned some tricks to help acquaint himself with new colleagues, from researching the background of management or coaches or looking up teammates on Madden to know a bit about their game.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • But in April, as dozens of her colleagues would soon find out for themselves, the UT Office of Sponsored Projects informed her the project was among several the federal government had terminated.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Locally sourced ingredients inform monthly specials that benefit local charities.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • The task force would submit a report with recommendations to the state Legislature after examining the systemic causes of violence against African American women and girls, ways to help victims' families heal, methods to track data to understand the scope of the issue and more.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
  • Or the ways that the Reyes family has lived in fear since Jose and his father were detained in early May.
    Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • However, the strategy, although financially driven, is spiritually oriented in its outcome.
    Pankaj Vasani, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • Calling hockey on the radio is a unique challenge in sports, and John Wiedeman is the consummate pro, painting a clear picture of the action while keeping the listener oriented with tape-to-tape perfection.
    Scott Powers, New York Times, 29 July 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Wont.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wont. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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