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
In other words, Americans are accustomed to paying a lot for sports tickets. Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Advertisers are accustomed to getting quick info on how many people their commercials reach on TV day after day. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 July 2026
Verb
The public-shaming impulse has been, at times, a reaction to years of bad behavior—particularly among men accustomed to getting away with a lot and facing very few repercussions. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 Such an alliance requires new ways of thinking, says Storin, to which some advertisers may not be accustomed. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • The iconic Porsche 911, long a benchmark for value retention, is seeing a notable shift in the used car market.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Lululemon will give you a gift card, up to $25, in exchange for gently used women's and men's clothing.
    Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • The 60-year-old Berg, who will divest his ownership interest in LAFC, will be officially introduced on Tuesday at MLS headquarters in New York.
    Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The March 2025 law introduced a two-generation limit, cutting out his siblings.
    Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This is, of course, a significant departure from Tony Blair’s aim of creating a modern workforce that was largely university-educated.
    Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Parents who themselves are college-educated are the most likely to expect to spend more on items for after-school activities, about $503 on average, compared to $207 among parents without college degrees.
    Emily Guskin, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • As geopolitics, inflation and new tariffs change the global business landscape every day, CFOs need to become much better acquainted with their supply chains.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Some of these thinkers were good friends; a few were hardly acquainted.
    Emily Eakin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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