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

Masayoshi Son, the famed Japanese investor, is accustomed to the hype cycles of new technology. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Dec. 2025

According to Haskell, investors accustomed to managing their own property may also struggle with the shift from hands-on control to asset structures managed by experienced sponsors. —William Jones, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025

Democratic Party members have worried about the effect on voters accustomed to the accessibility of the county-wide voting system, which allows people to cast a ballot at any center in the county no matter their address. —Tracey McManus The Dallas Morning News, Arkansas Online, 7 Dec. 2025

Travelers accustomed to the airline’s previous flexibility will need to budget for extra seating, navigate new booking requirements, and prepare for possible refund restrictions. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 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