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

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
Right now, StackSocial is selling the latest version of Microsoft’s lifetime Office apps for an all-time low price—60% less than usual. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2026 Last season’s field had playability, but not its usual standard of aesthetics. Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 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
  • Using a conventional electric trimmer would cause tiny hairs to float around in microgravity, which would be a mess.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The approach highlights the potential for integrated, circular systems where multiple waste streams are transformed into valuable products, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional recycling techniques.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law, said Trump’s attempts to bypass the normal confirmation processes are unconstitutional.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
  • According to the study, it is encoded in the internal structure of the remnant through what physicists call quasi-normal modes.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Swipe it through the hummus, balanced in tahini and lemon, and mulchy muhammara twanging with pomegranate molasses, and casik, the Turkish variation of the region’s ubiquitous herbed yogurt and cucumber dip.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • These ubiquitous quick-service, genre-defying restaurants are capturing the attention of global travelers.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Like his perceptive doc about Joy Division, Everybody Digs Bill Evans is about the ordinary that feeds the extraordinary and leaves us to figure out the rest for ourselves.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
  • At first glance, there was nothing out of the ordinary about Saturday’s wind forecast for Camas Prairie, Idaho.
    Ruby Mellen, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Last year, that was playing third-line minutes, helping bring out the offensive potential in linemates Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, serving a mentor-type role customary of veterans.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Auriemma was upset with Staley failing to meet him for a customary pregame handshake before their Final Four game tipped off.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As noted earlier, Form 1099-K is the typical reporting form gig workers receive from platforms that handle the collection of payments from customers and transfer the worker’s share to them.
    Annette Nellen, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
  • So far, the WGA has only disclosed to members that the provisional agreement will span four years rather than the union’s typical three.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Fresh off the global success of KPop Demon Hunters, the film’s vocal stars are bringing their fandom full circle with a new collaboration that turns a familiar fast-food run into an immersive experience.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The arguments in Madigan’s case had a familiar ring in a state where the line between legal politics and bribery has always seemed a blurry one.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For years, legislators and Newsom have approved an array of changes not just to CEQA but also state housing rules that leave local officials with fewer lawful reasons to reject developments.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Violence is used to enforce discipline, and those accused of theft or rule violations may be executed or disappeared.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Usual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usual. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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