practice 1 of 2

noun

variants also practise
Definition of practicenext
1
as in rehearsal
a private performance or session in preparation for a public appearance we held one last practice before the big concert

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in habit
a usual manner of behaving or doing the store's practice has always been to honor all major credit cards

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in routine
something done over and over in order to develop skill practice makes perfect

Synonyms & Similar Words

practice

2 of 2

verb

ˈprak-təs How to pronounce practice (audio)
variants also practise
as in to exercise
to do over and over so as to become skilled in order to play the guitar well, you need to practice fingering every single day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun practice differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of practice are custom, habit, usage, and wont. While all these words mean "a way of acting fixed through repetition," practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice.

our practice is to honor all major credit cards

When is it sensible to use custom instead of practice?

The words custom and practice can be used in similar contexts, 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 can habit be used instead of practice?

In some situations, the words habit and practice are roughly equivalent. However, habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively.

had a habit of tapping his fingers

When could usage be used to replace practice?

Although the words usage and practice 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

When is wont a more appropriate choice than practice?

While the synonyms wont and practice are close in meaning, 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 practice
Noun
After getting waived by the Panthers last summer, Marshall joined the San Francisco 49ers practice squad. —Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025 Early on in Wednesday morning’s training camp practice, Demani Richardson made a play that transported you to another time and place. —Alex Zietlow july 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2025
Verb
Before that, and before the team starts practicing again next week, the annual media tour is about to begin. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025 The program sometimes practices at a field in Riverside Park, off West Seventy-second Street. —Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for practice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practice
  1. rehearsal
  2. habit
  3. routine
  4. exercise
  5. trial
  6. pattern
  7. training
  8. ritual
Noun
  • Perhaps a rough night at rehearsals for the chronically employable actor, or, more likely, with them out of school, a long morning with the kids — five in total, three of whom are with Eberstein, two of whom were authored by Grant and his ex-partner, Tinglan Hong?
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • SpaceX posted the new launch date on X Saturday evening, the day after the flight rehearsal test.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Definition of rehearsal
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
Definition of habit
Noun
  • After a smooth recovery, Aubergine is back to his daily routine and being closely monitored.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 19 July 2025
  • All over the internet, people are recreating the couple’s snuggle-and-duck routine and even offering advice for how to react if nabbed in the same awkward position.
    — Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of routine
Verb
  • To keep him from exercising that opt-out, Heyman predicted the Red Sox would have to break the bank.
    — Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • From exercising more to cutting out red meat, these lifestyle choices might matter more than genetics.
    — Cathy Cassata, Health, 14 July 2025
Definition of exercise
Noun
  • In a trial’s sentencing phase, the judge has the ultimate say.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
  • Cash Out, born John Gibson, was found guilty on Friday in his Atlanta trial.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 21 July 2025
Definition of trial
Noun
  • Nneka Ogwumike — Team Collier There’s hardly a moment when Nneka Ogwumike isn’t seen wearing print, with animal print being her go-to pattern for the tunnels.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority worked closely with the Tennessee Department of Transportation on the new interchange and preparing drivers for shifts in traffic pattern.
    — Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 24 July 2025
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • The Cleveland Browns are just five days away from the start of training camp, and ultimately closer to an answer about who their starting quarterback will be in 2025.
    — Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
  • Anyone with professional healthcare training was excluded.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 July 2025
Definition of training
Noun
  • By making this a daily ritual for babies, parents can reap the benefits as well.
    — Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Wilson reportedly collapsed after being punched in the chest during a fraternity ritual.
    — DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of ritual

Browse Nearby Words

practically
practice
practiced
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Cite this Entry

“Practice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practice. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on practice

Nglish: Translation of practice for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about practice

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