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

Relevance

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 During a March 2025 appearance on Let’s Talk Media, Chase said slipping into Angelica’s voice has become second nature after decades of playing the character. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026 McDaniel began making small adjustments to Justin Herbert’s footwork during organized team activities, and those changes have become second nature for the Chargers quarterback. — Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 In a sport where mental fortitude is vital, checking in with herself is second nature for Merhige and preventing burnout is a core objective. — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 21 July 2026 Picking up a claw clip when your hair is on its last leg almost feels like second nature. — Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 8 July 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
  • This goes beyond just topical products to include massage tools, wellness rituals and detoxifying treatments.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • Over time, the OlloBot OlloNi SS1 is designed to learn more about different household members, including their habits, preferences, and everyday interactions.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Most of life is complex and multifaceted, and reading is one of the only habits that pushes back against the instinct to see things in black and white.
    — Mckenna Friedland, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of habit
Noun
  • But even as the culture seems fairly concerned with the way famous women look, and the impact these images have on young girls and teenagers, the conversation around men and their body image has been lean.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Much of rising demand reflects a shift in the way AI systems are consuming AI compute, particularly as the use of agentic AI becomes more widespread, Huang explained.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of way
Noun
  • Treister had a smart sense of humor, often performing magic tricks for anyone who would come over to his home, his family said.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Layered background sighs, a resonant lead vocal, autumnal acoustic guitar flickers, synths both eerie and trippy—James has all his tricks on tap.
    — Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • Though none of the players who were cut seriously threatened for spots, a few should return to the practice squad.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Though interest in peptides is popular in certain wellness circles, including with podcasters like Joe Rogan, many of those who are seeking alternative medicine or who are going back to traditional cultural practices don’t fit the MAHA archetype.
    — Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of practice
Noun
  • Instead of being limited to the manufacturer’s stock features, the display can become an endpoint for Home Assistant, MQTT and custom applications.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This option also grants a handful of extra features, such as custom branding, domains, and team analytics.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All