accustomed 1 of 2

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
Many product developers grow accustomed to the start-up environment, where teams can dedicate all of their working hours to solving one problem: building the product, typically a single product. Douglas Murray, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 The text becomes a straitjacket for a princely son who doesn’t seem accustomed to Shakespearean rigors. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Verb
For users accustomed to paying high fees and waiting days for cross-border transfers, the difference is extraordinary. Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 People might think of desert plants as being accustomed to drought and aridity, conditions that are predicted to become more common because of climate change. James Doubek, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • Earlier in his career, Arison founded Shift, an online marketplace for used cars, and Taxi Magic, which powers the Curb app for cabs in cities including New York.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
  • Things are looking up for greater EV choices on the used vehicle lots as well.
    Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • This week, the University of Central Florida introduced Scott Frost as its new football coach.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025
  • He has been introduced as its new athletic director and, technically, Jeremiah Donati is not an employee of the University of South Carolina.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Having traveled to 75 countries, bought real estate in 24, established businesses in 7, and educated her children in 4, Kathleen is the go-to expert on expat life.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • To those who are poorly educated, this paragraph has been utterly meaningless.
    Eli Amdur, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Cosmetics are well-acquainted now.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Miller joined the California Lawyers for the Arts, a nonprofit that provides artists with pro bono legal services, which enabled him to get acquainted with writers, actors and other creators and their contracts.
    Todd Longwell, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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