accustomed 1 of 2

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
He was less intimidated by its befuddling organization and had grown accustomed to the antiquated spellings and the nearly illegible, unpunctuated scribblings of harried seventeenth-century officials. Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026 Caufield is accustomed to being the overtime hero for the Canadiens. Arpon Basu, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
As the only female taxi driver working her corner of Nigeria’s heaving metropolis, Lady is accustomed to underestimation by a callous patriarchy, and staunchly resists the gender normatives implied by her name. Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026 According to AccuWeather, the volume of snow and sleet could greatly impact communities not accustomed to winter weather, such as the southern Plains and Mississippi Valley, and schools or child care centers will likely close. Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • Did people lay out their used sweaters and second-hand audio equipment, hoping someone would claim them?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Another way to reduce the price of a vehicle is to consider used cars, which are less than three years old.
    Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Assemblyman Matt Haney on Monday introduced a bill that would levy a 50% tax on the profits of private immigration detention centers in the state.
    Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Supporters expect the other measures to be introduced in the coming weeks.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Katharine was enrolled at the Misses Raysons’ School for girls on West 75th Street, a private school that educated its students all the way through high school.
    Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Many are wealthier and more educated than longstanding Idaho residents, Lyons said.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As the county with more STAR bond projects than anywhere else in Kansas, Wyandotte County is well acquainted with the funding mechanism.
    Sofi Zeman January 31, Kansas City Star, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Patterson arrived on Friday, allowing for just a brief amount of time to get acquainted with the players and personnel.
    Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

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