accustomed 1 of 2

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
Gibson told me she’s grown accustomed to elite sport spaces separating men and women as much as possible in the name of equity. Christie Aschwanden, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026 The cuts could cause Harrison to lose the care team he’s grown accustomed to. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
The angry Heat fan, accustomed to championship parades and long playoff runs, is now wielding a pitchfork, loudly lamenting this 30-plus month stretch of pent-up play-in frustration. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026 These days, pure nationalism appears not to resonate so much with Chinese consumers accustomed to making their own personal consumption choices. Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • Small, independent merchants don’t offer the bric-a-brac of Christmas baubles of embroidered kilts found in nearby (and more touristy) Pitlochry, but instead opt for used books at The Birnam Reader, artisanal cheeses and baked goods at Aran Bakery, and small-batch gin at LÒN.
    Timothy Latterner, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The good news is that every day there are more and more used EVs of different makes and models coming to market.
    Hartford Courant, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Russian state has introduced incentives for women who have three or more children, including lump-sum payments, tax breaks and state benefits.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Eco effort The hotel has introduced a 10-point plan aimed at making the property carbon neutral by 2030.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The practice was particularly used by patrolling troops during World War II, according to Smith, who has educated himself in the sport’s long history.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Studies show that collegiate faculty often identify as left-leaning, reflecting the typical politics of the college-educated.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The men settled into armchairs and leaned in to get acquainted.
    Tad Friend, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
  • You might already be acquainted with her Northern cousin, chicken Tetrazzini, named after Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini.
    Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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