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

Even in hockey – a sport that is extremely popular around the world – there are terms used by commentators or pundits that you might not be accustomed to hearing if not a regular to the sport. —Ben Morse, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026

As one of the network’s top stars, Guthrie has been accustomed to receiving fan mail and unsolicited messages, some of which have crossed the line, a source told the Daily Mail. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2026

Areas typically not accustomed to frigid temperatures and snowfall braced the frigid blast and, in some cases, made the best of it. —James Powel, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026

With these just being average rates, however, and with more stability here than borrowers were accustomed to in recent years, now could also be a good time for owners to explore their refinance options. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 3 Feb. 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