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
The candidate has become accustomed to comical mailroom interactions with his neighbors, who are routinely delivered fliers emblazoned with his face. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 7 May 2026 The dragons had become accustomed to the grisly ritual. Craig Stanford, Big Think, 7 May 2026
Verb
While his metrics at even strength haven’t matched the dominance that the LaCombe-Jacob Trouba pairing had, Carlson has been a valuable addition in shouldering the kind of heavy minutes he’s been accustomed to throughout his career. Eric Stephens, New York Times, 4 May 2026 It’s been a long time since South Texas politics has produced such an unusual and high-stakes congressional race as this year’s battle between a two-term Republican incumbent and her Democratic opponent, a charismatic political neophyte who’s accustomed to being in the public eye. Joe Holley, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • So for many middle-class Americans, the choice is between a dangerous amount of debt or no new car at all — which has, in turn, sent prices for used cars soaring.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2026
  • Drivers and pedestrians are so used to cyclists that very few bikers even wear helmets.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Chicken rice is a serious business in East and Southeast Asia, and the recipe at this prosaic storefront has a lineage that goes back to the celebrated version introduced in the 1970s at Chatterbox in Singapore.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • To raise awareness, this April, American outdoor brand Patagonia introduced a policy on Chinese e-commerce platforms requiring shoppers to pay 15 renminbi, or around $2, for their first item and 5 renminbi, or 70 cents, for each additional item at checkout.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • The actress explained that becoming more educated and confident changed the dynamic between she and reporters.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
  • The district is highly educated and is considered to favor thoughtful candidates with extensive resumes and detailed policy platforms.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Once the solution takes effect, prepare to get intimately acquainted with your toilet.
    Holly Burns, Time, 6 May 2026
  • Andrea Barba, a community health worker with Mano a Mano, became acquainted with TIERRA a year ago.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on accustomed

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster