Definition of accustomednext

accustomed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of accustom

Synonym Chooser

How is the word accustomed distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of accustomed are customary, habitual, usual, and wonted. While all these words mean "familiar through frequent or regular repetition," accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom.

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

When would customary be a good substitute for accustomed?

While the synonyms customary and accustomed are close in meaning, 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

In what contexts can habitual take the place of accustomed?

The words habitual and accustomed can be used in similar contexts, but habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

When could usual be used to replace accustomed?

The words usual and accustomed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

When is wonted a more appropriate choice than accustomed?

The synonyms wonted and accustomed are sometimes interchangeable, 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 accustomed
Adjective
That’s particularly true since filmmakers and actors are accustomed to traveling outside of SoCal these days. Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026 For the rest of the day, Sena, who had the bearing of a professor and seemed accustomed to an audience, wouldn’t say more than a sentence or two about himself. Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
But this bus wasn’t taking them to school, as they were accustomed. Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2026 Such a change would require aligning incentives with a substantially different economic goal from the one officials and institutions at all levels have been accustomed to pursuing over the last two decades. Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • This lack of choice pushed some buyers toward used cars to better fit their budgets.
    Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Owning several cars, intensively studying both the new and used car markets and testing so many vehicles has taught me a lot about what makes a great automobile.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Temporary flight restrictions were introduced at all four of Moscow's international airports, Russia's federal flight transport agency Rosviatsiya said on Telegram.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • They are being introduced proactively to protect against future cybersecurity incidents rather than in response to a breach.
    Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Iger joined Thrive Capital in 2022 as a venture partner, with Iger connecting Kushner to the broader business world while Kushner educated Iger on the tech world.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Raised by servants and educated by an uncle, Sade was a spoiled child with a temper and a taste for rebellion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Deep inside Florida’s Heavener Football Training Center, Jon Sumrall has grown well-acquainted with those three digits.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Both characters are deeply acquainted with the stench of failure.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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