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
Wadden admits that the color has a richness and warmth that might seem like a daring choice to homeowners who are accustomed to more understated palettes. Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Ice at a party doesn’t sound revolutionary today (think of how many tons of it that wedding at MSG must’ve used), but on this day in 1850, when waiters appeared carrying bottles of champagne on ice, guests—accustomed to warm wine—were astonished. Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026
Verb
Californians are accustomed to legislating by the ballot and often face a list of propositions. Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 England fans accustomed to the relentless pace of the Premier League have loudly booed hydration breaks at the World Cup, but Thomas Tuchel’s side benefited from them after going down early in a comeback win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • If repotting in a used container, be sure it has been sanitized to prevent the transfer of pests and diseases.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 July 2026
  • The process was originally commercialized for paper recycling, but beginning in January 2023, Epson started using it to convert used garments and mill ends into fibers from which new non-woven fabric sheets could be produced.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Their saliva contains a sugar molecule found in mammalian products that, when introduced to us through their bite, can trigger an allergy to red meat and sometimes dairy.
    Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • The picture of Cardinals cool, Walker chased down Kyle Schwarber, shut up a rambunctious Philly crowd and introduced himself to a much wider baseball world.
    Dan Gelston, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
    Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Recognizing her extraordinary intellect, the Wheatley family educated her, and by age 20 her poetry had earned publication in London.
    Robin Follman, Oc Register, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Once they were acquainted, Hermann made a move to take their relationship off set and invited Hargitay to attend church with him.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • The cocktail is a fantastic way to get acquainted with Fernet Branca, and who knows?
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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