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
Still, experts say this war is the first time in decades the practice — and the debate around it — has been so widespread. —Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025 Parents were not notified that their children were being interviewed, which Jaquez said is standard practice. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
Many muslims like to live near their mosque to facilitate practicing their faith daily. —Caroline Love, NPR, 22 May 2025 There’s a version of me that runs a business, shows up for my family, sets goals, leads meetings, responds to texts at a socially acceptable pace and even squeezes in time to practice my faith. —Jovan Chapman, Forbes.com, 21 May 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
  • In that scene, there were rehearsals, an intimacy coordinator was present, and the set was closed.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 28 May 2025
  • To show up and work like this every rehearsal, every performance, every day, McDonald has become an emotional athlete.
    — Charlotte Alter, Time, 28 May 2025
Definition of rehearsal
Noun
  • Standout Interviewee Habits: How to Take Things to the Next Level Deliver a clear personal pitch To stand out from the crowd, Marino-Briggs recommends a few key habits.
    — Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • In addition, he’s also made a habit of gathering a handful of players together every night for a dinner at the Cowboys’ members-only speakeasy restaurant on the top level of The Star in Frisco, Cowboys Club.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
Definition of habit
Noun
  • But with most makeup products falling under the 3.4 oz limit, including foundation and concealer, Barratt rarely encounters any difficulties when carrying out her full glam routine.
    — Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
  • The clip began with Kiser waking up and beginning her routine.
    — Skyler Caruso, People.com, 20 May 2025
Definition of routine
Verb
  • The Leafs still need to exercise caution, particularly in free agency, and not splurge just for the sake of it.
    — Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • For example, financial insecurity, food access problems, and lack of access to a safe space to exercise can contribute to overall stress, as well as high blood pressure, heart disease, and other poor health outcomes.
    — Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 28 May 2025
Definition of exercise
Noun
  • Her late father was a defense attorney for the defensed in former NFL player O.J. Simpson's murder trial.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • All five players pleaded not guilty in the trial, which is now in its fifth week.
    — Dan Robson, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Definition of trial
Noun
  • In our analysis of foreign health care systems, my colleagues and I found that in country after country a persistent pattern emerged: over-provision to the healthy and under-provision to the sick.
    — John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Channel her look with this tote bag from Amazon, which comes in 22 colors and patterns and has amassed hundreds of five-star ratings.
    — Averi Baudler, People.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • Additionally, pharmacists will need rigorous training in these new systems.
    — Anne Schmitz, The Conversation, 20 May 2025
  • His exhaustive training and reminders to eat have helped regulate his circadian rhythm, and the impact has been noticeable.
    — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025
Definition of training
Noun
  • After Mosey was accused of rape, Bruny urged him to partake in a Haitian rum-bath ritual; when Mosey was acquitted in March 2023, Bruny told him the voodoo gods had taken a hand in the verdict.
    — Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • For in this ritual, there is no veil between life and death.
    — Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Definition of ritual

Browse Nearby Words

practically
practice
practiced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Practice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practice. Accessed 3 Jun. 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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