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
The Torreys are accustomed to, pun intended, close shaves. Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025 It’s taken time, Fonseca admits, to grow accustomed to playing in front of such raucous crowds. George Ramsay, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
With digital technology evolving and operating at a capacity greater than ever before, consumers are no longer accustomed to having to wait for something. William Jones, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025 Even in an industry increasingly accustomed to head-snapping change, this has been quite a week. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • There is a father in Breaking Away, a flustered, ineffectual father who sells used cars for a living.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • According to Free Press reporting, the state agency in December 2024 suspended the license of LaFontaine Hyundai of Livonia for also selling used cars as new ones.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Dark energy was introduced as a placeholder force to explain this accelerating expansion.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • More on the science behind the portfolio diet A few small studies led by Jenkins in 2003, including the trial that introduced the diet to the world, found an association between following the portfolio diet and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Born in Exmouth, Devon, Collins was educated at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
  • San Diego police’s Homeless Outreach Team has educated homeless people about the safe parking lot program and how to avoid tickets for oversized vehicles, and has helped them get connected with services like housing help.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • These expansions have also lent themselves to the Beards becoming better acquainted with their customers.
    James Manso, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
  • That will include getting well-acquainted with the training staff throughout the week before putting his body through a game-day style workout Sunday that will test his conditioning.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on accustomed

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