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
Holy cow, is this a different world for the Bears and their supporters, a franchise and fan base so accustomed to offensive mediocrity — or worse. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 Neighbors had grown accustomed to seeing Maseratis and Lamborghinis parked outside. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
Such victories accustomed many Americans to imagining that their skilled leaders could break seemingly intractable political deadlocks in decisive ways. — Orville Schell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2026 Many of the leaders my PR agency works with are accustomed to SEO being the most powerful determinant of their online fate. — Michelle Mekky, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • Loans for used cars generally come with higher interest rates.
    — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The used car market is out of control and there doesn’t seem to be an easy fix for high prices.
    — Corey Bridges, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In the Bay Area, San Francisco supervisors introduced a proposal earlier this month to block data centers for 45 days while the city creates new codes.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Kane also introduced some new styles, like the asymmetrical axe bag in white leather, and the chop, a smaller, curved shoulder bag style, both centered on the idea of cutting away at a Mulberry tree to promote new growth, Kane explained backstage.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Spencer was educated at Eton College, the prestigious school located in the English county of Berkshire, a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In his view, Party operatives, who tend to be young, coastal, and college-educated, put their own policy preferences ahead of the median voter, who is a white fiftysomething with a high-school education living in the suburbs.
    — Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The two had become acquainted off screen, posing together for a notorious picture in Berlin with future Nazi filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl in 1930.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Esparza is already well acquainted with Galileo, having originated the title role in the musical’s 2024 world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, where the production was developed prior to Broadway.
    — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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