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custom

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adjective

as in customized
made or fitted to the needs or preferences of a specific customer that business tycoon wears only custom suits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun custom differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of custom are habit, practice, usage, and wont. While all these words mean "a way of acting fixed through repetition," custom applies to a practice or usage so steadily associated with an individual or group as to have almost the force of unwritten law.

the custom of wearing black at funerals

When can habit be used instead of custom?

Although the words habit and custom have much in common, habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively.

had a habit of tapping his fingers

When is practice a more appropriate choice than custom?

In some situations, the words practice and custom are roughly equivalent. However, practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice.

our practice is to honor all major credit cards

Where would usage be a reasonable alternative to custom?

The synonyms usage and custom are sometimes interchangeable, but usage suggests a customary action so generally followed that it has become a social norm.

western-style dress is now common usage in international business

In what contexts can wont take the place of custom?

The words wont and custom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wont usually applies to a habitual manner, method, or practice of an individual or group.

as was her wont, she slept until noon

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 custom
Noun
This 85-acre upscale farm getaway has estate homes, cottages, and suites, each decorated with a unique blend of custom artwork and antiques. Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025 His clients have installed heated flooring, and custom pet gates for stairs and doorways that are a part of the millwork. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2025
Adjective
The company also has Box AI Studio and developer frameworks for building entirely custom AI agents. Melody Brue, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 Photo: Stephen Morgan From custom new construction to renovations, Kingdom & Co. does it all. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for custom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for custom
Noun
  • For may college football fans around, say, 25-45, EA’s NCAA Football franchise was a ritual every year.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • The ritual, the rhythm, and the sleep that followed – deep and undisturbed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • This includes continuing to donate 5% of our profits to a range of organizations and activating our long-standing tradition of local volunteerism.
    Brian Cornell, Essence, 6 July 2025
  • David Beckham continued his tradition of bringing his mom to Wimbledon this year.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Ever wondered why small business prices aren’t always the lowest?
    Essence, Essence, 7 July 2025
  • Whether your business is contemplating a first-time MSP relationship or evaluating your current partner, these internal best practices are essential.
    Nolan Garrett, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Give my alter ego a name, describe their key characteristics, daily habits, and decision-making style.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Other Republicans talk to Trump too, including Hawley — who then made a habit of informing Washington that Trump wants a softer touch on Medicaid.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The charitable event, which launched in 2006 as an offshoot of the 24 Hour Plays project, has strict rules.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Going by this assessment, the Republican bill would violate the rule that determines what legislation can clear the Senate with a simple majority, which could force Republicans to amend significant portions of the legislation.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The hospital’s well-being garden, which opened in July 2024, was created in partnership with the RHS, Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity and NHS Charities Together — the latter of which is a joint patronage of Kate and Prince William.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 2 July 2025
  • The regime sustains its power partly through its patronage networks.
    ERIC EDELMAN, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Many products still treat personalization as a default setting, but people increasingly prefer to be invited into tailored experiences.
    Shiva Chandrashekher, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Lane Bryant Lena Flutter-sleeve Knit Dress Short, sweet, and full of personality, this soft knit dress has flutter sleeves, a surplice neckline, and princess seams for a comfortable feel and tailored look.
    Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Topics to be covered include commodity conservation practices, adding a rotation (winter wheat), diversifying and building market channels for diversified crops.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • All three teams will also be investing more money through building practice facilities and other such amenities.
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Custom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/custom. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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