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

• introduce
• familiarize
• educate
• orient

Examples of accustom in a Sentence

the task of accustoming new recruits to shipboard life

Recent Examples on the Web

Even in areas accustomed to heavier snowfalls, accumulations in this range can result in delays, collisions and road closures if not treated promptly. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

Similarly, a basketball team accustomed to new hardwood may benefit from training sessions on worn or cushioned courts that simulate upcoming away venues. —Michael Hales, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025

Microsoft and other cloud incumbents are accustomed to allocating more for property and equipment for their build-outs. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025

Naturally, any service looking to grow its advertising business is going to become even more interested in sports, where fans are (generally) accustomed to commercial breaks and where sponsors see effective opportunities to reach the masses. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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