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
Nevertheless, rethinking your alcohol drinking habits can help protect your health and reduce your cancer risk. —Pranoti Mandrekar, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025 Please get into the habit of shredding as much as possible all year long. —Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025 Wen: This study examined dietary habits of people through their 40s, 50s and 60s. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025 As global media and consumption habits evolve, the NBA wishes to capitalize on opportunities to produce games in new and unique ways, the commissioner said. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 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
  • From home births to birth centers, spiritual rituals to structural advocacy, their choices aren’t just personal, but collective.
    — Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
  • According to a new WalletHub survey, many consumers are planning to skip some of the holiday's traditional rituals like dyeing eggs because of high prices.
    — Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • During Allen’s parole hearing, Jerry Goodwin, then warden at the David Wade Correctional Center in Homer, where Allen was being held, lauded Allen for his tireless work overcoming his drug addictions and improving his communication skills.
    — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • During the second part of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14 reunion, the sisters provided an update on how the former reality star was faring after relapsing into her alcohol addiction.
    — Esther Kang, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of addiction
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
Definition of physique
Verb
  • Mourners clad in black and white streamed into the theater and some doubled over in tears as a recording of Pérez singing the national anthem played.
    — Martín Adames Alcántara, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Kid Rock in the Oval Office—executive order, clad in a loud red outfit and a cowboy hat with rhinestones, executive order.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of clothe
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
  • The practice allowed the meditators to view their devotion as closely tied to Magdalene.
    — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of practice
Noun
  • For now, the economy remains in solid shape by several key measures.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Its rectangular shape evokes a vintage cigarette pouch, and every detail harks back to the fashion house’s extensive, industry-defining legacy.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of shape
Noun
  • The tariffs will have an impact on just about everyone, from farmers unable to sell to China, to higher prices at home for everything from toys and clothing to high-tech electronics.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Wade inspired a line of clothing from Pirate Worldwide, an apparel company that has a purposeful story behind all its products.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of clothing
Verb
  • So, despite being a nerdy kid who was awkward and really just couldn’t even dress that well, high school was super-fun for me because of games.
    — Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Just pair it with accessories to dress it up for dinner, or throw on your sneakers and a denim jacket (like the one above) to enjoy a casual lunch.
    — Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 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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