second nature

noun

Definition of second naturenext
as in ritual
a usual manner of behaving or doing speaking and thinking in Japanese simply became second nature to her during the years she spent in Kyoto

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 second nature Over that time, discipline becomes second nature. — Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 With Amazon's Deals of the Day, getting the best in tech at epic discounts becomes second nature. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 3 June 2026 Over time, this routine becomes second nature, and your pool rewards you with water that stays clear and inviting. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 Over time, these adjustments become second nature. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for second nature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for second nature
  1. ritual
  2. habit
  3. way
  4. trick
  5. practice
  6. custom
Noun
  • Kraft Heinz is attempting to do that by moving its brands closer to experiences people already care deeply about, including sports, entertainment, family rituals and shared meals.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Seabrook’s primary focus was on Vodou aka voodoo rituals, which had long constituted an underground religious practice amongst populations outwardly accepting of Catholicism.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • Let go of any lingering urges or habits to play it small because when eclipses arrive, there’s higher potential for big life changes.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The lunar eclipse in Pisces could also leave you with no choice but to make an adjustment at work or with your health habits.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of habit
Noun
  • As all of this finale drama is happening around him, Danny gets increasingly drunker, foreshadowing absolutely nothing good coming our way.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 30 July 2026
  • My favorite way to spend an afternoon, though, was borrowing one of the hotel's bicycles and pedaling around South of Fifth, where quiet residential streets quickly give way to cafés, the marina, and the fun buzz of Ocean Drive.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
Definition of way
Noun
  • Coker — a wide receiver — was asked to run a trick play and play QB for a moment.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Joao Pedro scored a nine-minute hat-trick during Chelsea’s 6-4 pre-season victory over Western Sydney Warriors on July 28.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • His smiley story of slapping a $5 bill on Jalen Carter’s chest after the defensive tackle’s contract extension contributes to a preseason energy that feels a lot like when Hurts and Nick Sirianni rode out of practice together on a golf cart in 2024.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • There were certain days during camp — Family Day and the team's Friday Night Lights practice at nearby Greater Latrobe High School — when Heyward knew the intensity level would spike.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of practice
Noun
  • Qiu was known for research working with a cutting-edge technique known as base editing to make custom treatments for children with rare diseases.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • The French doors of the suite open to a deck and a custom floating king bed.
    — Joe Marusak July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of custom

Browse Nearby Words

seconding
second nature
second-rate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second%20nature. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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