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
Cubans like Rodríguez and Matos, long accustomed to adapting to crisis, have found ways to cope. Andrea Rodriguez, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 In today's unusual economic landscape, borrowers are often accustomed to juggling multiple financial obligations that grow more complicated over time. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
And while that would have been a boost for borrowers saddled with higher borrowing costs, it was expected to be less favorable for savers who had been accustomed to earning big returns with select savings accounts. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 You may already be accustomed to changing channels frequently since the NFL eagerly slices up its schedule across multiple networks. Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • Rick Rubin with Danzig at Canter’s sounds exciting compared to Chris Robinson and the used bookstores of my life.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The used golf ball came with a bit of magic, too, with Cowan chipping in for par on the 17th hole to pull off the upset against Russell 2&1.
    Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Ross, Oscar, and Persephone were all metagamers who weren’t introduced to each other, and who had to make silly faces throughout the game, then point each other out based on the face-pulling, which Oscar and Sephi both successfully do.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
  • She was raised in Pasadena and was introduced to the music of such artists as Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Hank Williams, the Pretenders, and Neil Young through her family’s extensive vinyl record collection.
    Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Savvy, polished, and highly educated, Anaya is the eldest Clarke sibling and the mayor of Trinity City.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
  • An analysis of county voting patterns shows El-Sayed’s younger and higher-educated base was pivotal on his path to victory.
    Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 6 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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