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

Wall Street, which is accustomed to robust growth from Walmart, reacted swiftly to the lukewarm sales numbers, and the company’s stock plunged 9% Thursday. — Kayla Steinberg, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026

Silicon Valley, previously accustomed to being feted with generous tax breaks, is now going on a charm offensive with marketing, community projects and local outreach, with mixed results. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

The hope is that the Bosnia and Herzegovina international will already be accustomed to Jaissle’s demands and can therefore quickly acclimatise to the German’s methods, even if Dedic is yet to play in the Premier League. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

By now, everyone is accustomed to the idea that technology has disconnected us from the world and one another. — Ian Bogost, Time, 18 Aug. 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