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
California voters have become accustomed to voting down state ballot measures seeking to impose onerous rules on dialysis clinics that would put many out of business. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2026 European governments are accustomed to footing the bill and having a say in where rockets are built, a procurement model known as geographical return, or geo-return. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
Fischer brings experience overseeing finance at a large public company accustomed to making long-term infrastructure investments. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 Graham used his influence widely and was accustomed to preaching in peculiar settings. Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • When sales of used and rare books spiked, booksellers suspected that AI companies were the buyers.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2026
  • No one, however, much less a dubious Spanish public who were more used to mocking than celebrating their country’s best GC rider in a generation, believed that Mas could win the race.
    Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In the 250 years since Newton introduced his famous laws of motion, physicists had come to believe their equations described a reality that was entirely independent of human action or interpretation.
    Adam Frank, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The proposal ultimately stalled after Assembly leaders asked that it be introduced as a separate policy bill rather than as a trailer bill, Fine said.
    Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • An altar boy at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, he was educated at the Christian Brothers Academy and at Siena College, a Franciscan school in nearby Loudonville.
    Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But these students must also be educated alongside general education peers to meet federal and state class size and inclusivity regulations.
    Melissa Brown, Chalkbeat, 27 Aug. 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 21 Sep. 2026.

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