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
The habit can also increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as exposure to harmful heavy metals. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2025 For example, many moderate drinkers eat well and exercise regularly, habits which are known to lower risk. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025 Start by disrupting small habits that keep you performing—send an email without rereading, post a photo without editing. —Dale Whelehan, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025 February 28, 2025 Babies have a habit of shaking up even the most foundational parts of life—including friendships. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 Feb. 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
  • Eating Chomps has become a faithful ritual for an average day.
    — Andrew Watman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Neighborhood theaters made attending movies a weekly or even daily ritual for audiences.
    — Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    — Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025
  • She gets bounced into the head position after its revealed that her older brother Cam (Justin Theroux) has a serious drug addiction.
    — Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of addiction
Noun
  • Dozens of fans took to the comments section of the post to react, many impressed by the physique of both guys.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The fragrance is housed in a dramatic glass vessel designed by Donna Karan’s late husband, the sculptor Stephen Weiss, intended to reflect the feminine contours of the female physique.
    — Alfredo Mineo, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of physique
Verb
  • The model attended Aaron Esh’s dinner event at London's The House of KOKO on Sunday, Feb. 23, clad in a look that left little to the imagination.
    — Michelle Lee, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The gunman, clad in a red-and-black sweatshirt, dark-colored pants and black sneakers, ran off from the scene on White Plains Road near Pelham Parkway South, leaving behind two shell casings, police said.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of clothe
Noun
  • Tight end Brett Norfleet, safety Marvin Burks Jr. and outside linebacker Khalil Jacobs all noticeably wore green non-contact jerseys during practice, but are further along in the recovery process than Tollison and Smith.
    — Chase Gemes, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Jones is expected to report to the Panthers for Monday’s practice before that night’s game against Tampa Bay.
    — Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of practice
Noun
  • Similarly, knowing a protein’s shape helps scientists design molecules that fit perfectly into it, making drugs more effective.
    — Priyanka Naik, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025
  • These social expectations put pressure on the individual to bend themselves into a shape that fits within their social circle—to let go of the unique parts of themself in order to fit in.
    — Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of shape
Noun
  • The pins were designed by artificial intelligence startup Humane to be worn on clothing and could be tapped to talk to a virtual assistant.
    — Adam Smith, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Essential Clothes for the South's In-Between Season These items of clothing are otherwise known as the things that can save a Southerner who is concerned about dressing for day that ends up being warmer or cooler than anticipated.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of clothing
Verb
  • In the studio, Prieto, dressed in a white guayabera and jeans, surveyed the image.
    — Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Seated along the sidewalk outside Cafe Tropical, the singer, dressed in dark-wash denim and kitten heels, orders a Diet Coke and a trio of the Cuban cafe’s signature pastelitos.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of dress

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Cite this Entry

“Habit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit. Accessed 12 Mar. 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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