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usual

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word usual distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of usual are accustomed, customary, habitual, and wonted. While all these words mean "familiar through frequent or regular repetition," usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

How is accustomed related to other words for usual?

Accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom.

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

In what contexts can customary take the place of usual?

The words customary and usual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, customary applies to what accords with the practices, conventions, or usages of an individual or community.

the customary waiting period before the application is approved

When could habitual be used to replace usual?

Although the words habitual and usual have much in common, habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

When is wonted a more appropriate choice than usual?

The words wonted and usual can be used in similar contexts, but wonted stresses habituation but usually applies to what is favored, sought, or purposefully cultivated.

his wonted determination

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of usual
Adjective
Ebonē Colbert ordered her usual on her weekly trip to Wendy's with her son: a kid’s meal with a plain cheeseburger for him and a Dave’s Single, a burger topped with lettuce and tomato, for herself. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 26 Aug. 2022 On the first day back, Evans ordered his usual: a single cheeseburger, fries and a Coke. Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2022
Noun
Carlson's interview and opposition to intervention has found support beyond his usual base. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 Ron Washington was not in his usual aisle seat on the top step of the third-base dugout. Mike Digiovanna, Oc Register, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for usual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usual
Adjective
  • And then there were the potential ills of a conventional approach, like fumes spewed by laminate flooring.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • The Iranian regime has learned that its conventional defenses are inadequate to protect against attacks by the United States and Israel.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • This means that some particles will decay in the normal world while their counterparts in the mirror would not.
    Zack Savitsky, Wired News, 22 June 2025
  • On Tuesdays, theater tickets at Cinemark Century Folsom 7 cost $5.50, compared to the normal ticket price of $10.99.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond these ubiquitous technologies, the quieter rise of connected devices unfolded.
    Thomas Ryd, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Though the United States' EV adoption process may be sluggish compared to other countries, electric vehicles have become ubiquitous in some of the largest cities in America like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Alila Napa Valley goes beyond the ordinary by offering unforgettable experiences designed to captivate modern travelers, especially Xennials.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The couple have often walked red carpets together, so it certainly wouldn’t be considered out of the ordinary for the 37-year-old to walk the Golden Globes red carpet alongside her beau as his plus-one.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There is of course a social and political undercurrent to the movie, as is customary for Magliano, going against the grain and reclaiming time to pause and reflect.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 June 2025
  • Newsom has said he wasn't consulted before Trump decided to take control of the Guard, as is customary.
    Larry Kaplow, NPR, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • This training teaches us to be present in the midst of the chaos of a typical day.
    Janice Marturano, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Temperatures will be around 87 degrees, which is typical for this time of year in the metro.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The legal battle between these parties has become a familiar topic in sports law.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 June 2025
  • Pritzker and Emanuel are nationally familiar names.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Finally, the Commission proposes to lighten the administrative burden of the due diligence rules by requiring companies to publish reports on their compliance every three years instead of annually.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Going by this assessment, the Republican bill would violate the rule that determines what legislation can clear the Senate with a simple majority, which could force Republicans to amend significant portions of the legislation.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Usual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usual. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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