Definition of usualnext
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usual

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word usual distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of usual are accustomed, customary, habitual, and wonted. While all these words mean "familiar through frequent or regular repetition," usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

How is accustomed related to other words for usual?

Accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom.

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

In what contexts can customary take the place of usual?

The words customary and usual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When could habitual be used to replace usual?

Although the words habitual and usual have much in common, habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

When is wonted a more appropriate choice than usual?

The words wonted and usual can be used in similar contexts, 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 usual
Adjective
Despite fears of World Cup gridlock and mass transit meltdowns, traffic is moving faster than usual on NYC streets on match days and mass transit options appear to be delivering fans to and from the games without major hiccups. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026 Hart was his usual self in the NBA Finals, playing strong defense while serving as a strong rebounder and facilitator on offense. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Noun
Ebonē Colbert ordered her usual on her weekly trip to Wendy's with her son: a kid’s meal with a plain cheeseburger for him and a Dave’s Single, a burger topped with lettuce and tomato, for herself. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 26 Aug. 2022 On the first day back, Evans ordered his usual: a single cheeseburger, fries and a Coke. Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2022 See All Example Sentences for usual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usual
Adjective
  • But cruise missiles are more versatile in conventional warfare.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026
  • The majority of Georgian wine reaching export markets is made in what producers call the European style — stainless steel fermentation, conventional winemaking, easily approachable.
    Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Shah adds that many women feel their best when ferritin levels are at least between 40 and 70 ng/ml for optimal energy and hair health, even if lab ranges suggest lower levels are ‘normal’.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 30 June 2026
  • People are being asked to have their trash and recycling at the curb at least one hour prior to their normal pickup time.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Human Edge In An AI-First Era As AI becomes ubiquitous, the last real differentiator is human.
    Martin Simoncic, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Even a brand name as ubiquitous as Walmart is always looking to strengthen its customer base.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • When crafting client success stories, look for the beautiful ordinary.
    Richard Lowe, Forbes.com, 9 June 2026
  • Williams’ gift for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary was inspired by his interactions with his patients.
    René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • With no clear evidence and an unreliable witness, a community governed by customary law must preserve peace without sacrificing another child.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 June 2026
  • Otherwise, just about every single starting lineup graphic this season has included a picture of a player, which is customary around the league.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Treatments start at $49, which is a bargain compared to typical pest control treatments that cost nearly three times that amount.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The rules called for the combatants to square off with just eight paces between them — rather than the 20 or 30 paces typical of the time — and both men hit their targets.
    Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike scenic destinations that become part of a wedding backdrop, Walshe said Madison Square Garden presents the opposite challenge because designers would first have to erase the venue's familiar arena feel before creating something entirely new.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • From there, Florida's history followed the path more familiar to Americans, eventually becoming the 27th state in 1845.
    Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The board removed its previous time limit rule at public comment sessions during board meetings when more than 20 speakers are signed up.
    Samuel O’Neal June 25, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
  • For county-specific labels like Napa or Sonoma, the 75% rule applies.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Usual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usual. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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