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

Examples of habitual in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Black tooth stains left by habitual tobacco use also single out the skeletons of smokers. Byandrew Curry, science.org, 4 Oct. 2024 In a press conference, Sheriff Christopher Swanson says Maxwell is being charged as a habitual offender and could face up to eight years in prison if convicted. Liam Quinn, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024 But authorities on Thursday defended the action, saying the woman was a habitual gate crasher. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024 Two other charges, false report or threat of terrorism and habitual fourth offender, were dismissed at his sentencing Sept. 17, according to online court records. Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for habitual 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'habitual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near habitual

Cite this Entry

“Habitual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habitual. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on habitual

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