1
as in conventional
accepted, used, or practiced by most people
that's not the usual method, but it works
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in normal
being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events
the characters in this novel are drawn with greater depth than is usual for a work of science fiction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ubiquitous
often observed or encountered
the usual reaction to the sight of the falls is one of absolute awe
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in ordinary
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of usual
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
Too Late Everyone occasionally goes to bed later than usual, and your body can recover from an occasional poor night’s sleep.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026
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
Adjective
Against odds that could have crushed the season, including low consumer confidence and lower-than-usual inventory levels, Adobe Analytics identified several trends that set 2025’s holiday season apart—and drove such robust online spending.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
Too Late Everyone occasionally goes to bed later than usual, and your body can recover from an occasional poor night’s sleep.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 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
-
That sentiment, while proclaimed in jest, captures a current appetite among many celebrities and fans alike to break away from conventional interviews in favor of more authentic and flavorful content.—
Yahya Salem,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Reports claimed that the KSOT is designed to provide a fast, efficient and effective solution to strengthen the Indonesia’s maritime combat capabilities, while complementing its existing fleet of conventional submarines.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This single fine is close to the normal total of $8 million to $10 million in all fines that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration hands out each year.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Trump, as is his want, is just doing the normal thing without the usual white niceties that come with imperialist machinations.—
Elie Mystal,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Luxury brands have sought to distance themselves from the increasingly shabby in-store experience and ubiquitous mark-downs at department stores.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
-
This particular mashup hardly counts as culturally ubiquitous in 2025.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Chelsea have had their fair share of entertainers since making their debut in the tournament — the individuals who can just do something out of the ordinary to make everyone realise they are being treated to a game at the highest level.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Alila Napa Valley goes beyond the ordinary by offering unforgettable experiences designed to captivate modern travelers, especially Xennials.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In addition to this, beat reporters Mike Kaye and Alex Zietlow broke down the matchup and offered their predictions on the contest, as is customary.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The United States has not ratified the convention but generally treats its provisions as customary law.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The company intends to move away from the low-volume manufacturing typical of the aviation industry.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The project could also bypass typical rezoning requirements, allowing building to occur in agricultural and natural areas.—
Ryan Ballogg,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The knit top offered the familiar ease of an oversized tee with the warmth and polish of a sweater, a mix that feels both cozy and refined.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Experts say some familiar nutrition advice remains, but the changes may raise questions and confusion.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Under the rule, the agency could ask for facial images, iris scans, finger and palm prints, voice prints and even DNA.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Students already in medical school who have taken out federal loans before the new rules take effect on July 1 will be exempted from the cap.—
Tribune News Service,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Usual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usual. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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