habitual

adjective

hə-ˈbi-ch(ə-)wəl How to pronounce habitual (audio)
Definition of habitualnext
1
as in chronic
being such by habit and not likely to change she admits she's a habitual procrastinator, but she still manages to meet all her deadlines

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frequent
appearing or occurring repeatedly from time to time her supervisor warned her that she could be fired for habitual tardiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word habitual distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of habitual are accustomed, customary, usual, and wonted. While all these words mean "familiar through frequent or regular repetition," habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

How does the word accustomed relate to other synonyms for habitual?

Accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom.

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

When can customary be used instead of habitual?

The meanings of customary and habitual largely overlap; however, customary applies to what accords with the practices, conventions, or usages of an individual or community.

the customary waiting period before the application is approved

When would usual be a good substitute for habitual?

In some situations, the words usual and habitual are roughly equivalent. However, usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

In what contexts can wonted take the place of habitual?

Although the words wonted and habitual have much in common, wonted stresses habituation but usually applies to what is favored, sought, or purposefully cultivated.

his wonted determination

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 habitual As the medical profession came to consider cocaine and morphine as equally dangerous, coca became associated with opium, and the public was led to believe that the ruinous effects of habitual opium use would inevitably befall those who regularly chewed coca leaves. —Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025 Life expectancy was short for these women, because of venereal disease, the habitual presence of alcohol and drugs, and impoverished living conditions. —Richard Grant, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025 In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to file a habitual offender enhancement, which would have added 5-20 years. —Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025 New flexible behaviors must become habitual for leaders. —Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for habitual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for habitual
  1. chronic
  2. frequent
  3. regular
  4. periodic
  5. repeated
Adjective
  • Family members can also develop psychosomatic consequences such as chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, and a general sense of disorientation.
    — William Mullane, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Specifically, sourcing the majority of your protein intake from animal products can lead to a host of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
    — Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of chronic
Adjective
  • Aside from seller reviews and rating, frequent DHGate shoppers suggest looking for this badge.
    — Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Packer congratulated Miller before launching into a conversation about building relationships with frequent collaborators and identifying target audiences.
    — Lauren Coates, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of frequent
Adjective
  • The cut of the denim pants included a regular waistline with a zip fly, and dropped gusset.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Hair Brush with Greatness The healthiest possible hair requires regular brushing.
    — Michael Odell, Air Mail, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of regular
Adjective
  • The theme of a late night escape from the city is the periodic imprint’s entry into choice cuts here from artists including Kenny Burrell, Yusef Lateef and Gene Ammonsd.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Then came sriracha sauce, which first emerged in Thailand during the 1930s and is now so popular here that periodic shortages of the sauce cause panic buying.
    — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of periodic
Adjective
  • In 2023, a study using a combination of computer simulations and laboratory tests showed how repeated deposition of magnesium and calcium layers followed by dissolution of parts of the crystal, removing so the surplus calcium, can create stable dolomite near ambient conditions.
    — David Bressan, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Severe and repeated cases of scale can cause branches to die and reduce a tree’s overall vigor.
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of repeated

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habitual
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Cite this Entry

“Habitual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habitual. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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