accustom

verb

ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkə-stəm 

accustomed; accustoming; accustoms

transitive verb

: to make familiar with something through use or experience

accustomation

ə-ˌkə-stə-ˈmā-shən 

noun

Synonyms of accustom

• introduce
• familiarize
• educate
• orient

Examples of accustom in a Sentence

the task of accustoming new recruits to shipboard life

Recent Examples on the Web

Since visitors may not be accustomed to Florida heat, hydration and rest will be all the more important. —Ethan Stone, Ascend Agency, 25 Jan. 2026

As the only female taxi driver working her corner of Nigeria’s heaving metropolis, Lady is accustomed to underestimation by a callous patriarchy, and staunchly resists the gender normatives implied by her name. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026

According to AccuWeather, the volume of snow and sleet could greatly impact communities not accustomed to winter weather, such as the southern Plains and Mississippi Valley, and schools or child care centers will likely close. —Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 23 Jan. 2026

By the time agents arrived in Chicago, three months later, the country was accustomed to seeing images of protesters wearing gas masks. —Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acustomen "to habituate (reflexive or intransitive)," borrowed from Anglo-French acustumer, acostumer, from a-, prefix forming transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -customer, costomer, verbal derivative of custume custom entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing accustom

• accustom oneself to

Rhymes for accustom

• custom
• frustum

Kids Definition

accustom

verb

ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkəs-təm 

: to make familiar