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
Checking the air quality index — available via most weather apps — is a good habit, just like checking the forecast. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025 As before, that big crisis created big opportunities, and new species evolved with new habits and habitats. Tim Vernimmen, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2025 Those with poor sleep habits, such as sleeping and waking at inconsistent times each day, tended to snooze more. Cathy Nelson, Health, 5 June 2025 With more than 300 locations nationwide, the decision by Hooters—known for its skimpy uniforms and all-female waitstaff—to shutter dozens of outlets comes as the brand reassesses its business model and responds to inflation, changing consumer habits, and operational pressures. Isabel Van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for habit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit
Noun
  • Different communities worship different icons and have different ways of performing the rituals.
    Foster Klug, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
  • When your workday ends, physically close your laptop, turn off work notifications and transition into personal time with intentional rituals.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • For more: read Jamie Lee Curtis, in conversation with Rachel Syme, on addiction, beauty standards, and encounters with Bette Davis.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
  • And with people who are health-conscious, the amount of alcohol or any other addiction is extremely low.
    Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The agent, already familiar with your size, preferences and style history, evaluates how each option might suit your physique, identifies the best price across retailers and finalizes the purchase, thus conserving your time and alleviating decision fatigue.
    Sandeep Shivam, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Despite his handsome face and fit physique, Adam has seemingly been a bachelor for some time.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Ousmane Toure, clad in a PSG home shirt and accompanied by his girlfriend, Angeline, had watched the match along with 45,000 fellow fans on the big screens at the Parc des Princes, PSG’s home stadium, the night before.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • Soaring ceilings, dual closets, and a bathroom clad on its walls, floor, and counters with Aglo Ceppo stone are highlights of the primary suite.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • That patient practice will be put to use in 2027 when the first Axiom space station module goes aloft and docks with the ISS.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 June 2025
  • On Thursday, she was joined by fellow House Democrats all denouncing the travel ban as a discriminatory practice against Black and Brown nations.
    Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • The metal supports keep the stems tight to the base of the plant, so when the flower heads get to their heaviest, the peony still retains a tight, bouquet shape without toppling over.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2025
  • The new species was identified by the arrangement of its body plates, head shape, fin placement, texture and other other subtle physical features, the study said.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The attacker wore dark clothing, a dark-colored baseball cap with an LA Dodgers logo and a backpack.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 1 June 2025
  • First, perpetual use can restrict future brand deals, especially with competing companies in large brand categories such as clothing, beauty, home decor, etc.
    Kristen Bousquet, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • He is dressed in a blue suit with one of his signature red ties, and an American flag is pinned to his left lapel.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 3 June 2025
  • To dress in whatever constitutes your best, and displays your sense of self, honors the body in a way that the world often doesn’t.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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