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

Lundy and her care team periodically change the water flow rates in the tanks so the baby frogs grow strong limbs and are accustomed to swimming in different conditions. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Check-in and check-out are swift, valet has relatively little wait time, and the restaurant staff is accustomed to serving meals around performances at the Merrill Theater across the street. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Sep. 2026

Across a high-energy midday set that spanned their chart-topping singles and fan favorites, the six moved across the stage with the confidence of a group accustomed to one another’s rhythms, while fans in the crowd danced along in the stands. — Crystal Bell, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026

The comments caused consternation among some in the central banking world who had been accustomed to thinking of the funds rate in those terms. — Steve Liesman,matt Peterson, CNBC, 25 Sep. 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