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
Audiences have become accustomed to Mungiu pointing out uncomfortable truths. — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 But that’s easier said than done in an industry that’s accustomed to shipping films, not software updates. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
Trump is accustomed to asserting the primacy of force over law and clearly anticipates no punishment for doing so in front of a body dedicated to saving humanity from the scourge of war. — Anjali Dayal, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 But Russians have long been accustomed to living with unanswered questions and opaque governance. — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • The bank double upgraded the used car stock to buy from underperform.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The cost of toys, new and used cars, sporting goods, and shoes all rose at a rapid clip last month, the government said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Everyone duly introduced, the crew gets to work preparing for the first charter.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
  • First introduced on Italy’s Canale 5 in 1999, the word game has appeared in more than 10,000 episodes across 12 countries, according to Good Formats.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In keeping with royal tradition, the young Duke of Kent was educated at Ludgrove (also attended by Prince William and Prince Harry), then Eton and later Le Rosey in Switzerland.
    — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 10 Oct. 2026
  • On campus, students are educated on the importance of not touching or feeding the donkeys, which weigh about 500 pounds and can charge at humans when feeling threatened.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • And for the people who are already well-acquainted, split them up to the best of your ability, whether through seat assignments at dinner or making a point to personally introduce them to others.
    — Alexis Berger, Architectural Digest, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Madonna apparently didn’t need to spend much time getting acquainted with the place.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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