customary

adjective

cus·​tom·​ary ˈkə-stə-ˌmer-ē 

-ˌme-rē

1

: commonly practiced, used, or observed

customary acts of courtesy

his customary enthusiasm

2

: based on or established by custom

customary laws

customariness

ˈkə-stə-ˌmer-ē-nəs 

-ˌme-rē-

noun

Synonyms

• usual
• conventional
• prevailing
• current

Choose the Right Synonym for customary

usual, customary, habitual, wonted, accustomed mean familiar through frequent or regular repetition.

usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

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

habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

wonted stresses habituation but usually applies to what is favored, sought, or purposefully cultivated.

his wonted determination

accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom.

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

Examples of customary in a Sentence

He forgot the customary “thank you.”

It is customary to hold the door open for someone who is entering a building behind you.

She dressed in her customary fashion.

He did the work with his customary efficiency.

Recent Examples on the Web

Agbadou has appeared sluggish and careless at the heart of defence, while Andre has lacked his customary composure in midfield. —Steve Madeley, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025

But the customary podium ceremony was canceled because of the unrest. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025

Bending Spoon’s acquisition of Vimeo, which was unanimously approved by Vimeo’s board of directors, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to Vimeo stockholder approval and customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025

His demise, paired with the disappearance of mobster-type Nicky Caccimelio (Bobby Cannavale), sets the trio on the first phase of their adventures, which inevitably branches into fresh red herrings in customary Only Murders fashion. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see custom entry 1

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for customary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

customary

adjective

cus·​tom·​ary ˈkəs-tə-ˌmer-ē 

1

: based on or established by custom

customary rent

2

: commonly done, observed, or used

her customary kindness

customary courtesies

customarily

ˌkəs-tə-ˈmer-ə-lē 

adverb