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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
In May, the Public School New York Instagram site was active with clips from the duo’s custom design under the Public School label for Justin Jefferson for the 2025 Met Gala. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 24 July 2025 The clogs will be available for $90 at Crocs stores and on the brand's website, and come inside a custom shoe box inspired by the Krispy Kreme dozen box. Logan Holland, People.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
The article also suggested that for a more extravagant send-off, contact a fireworks company specializing in custom fireworks. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025 In addition to the pool clad in custom Italian glass mosaics, the property boasts a covered loggia with a groin-vaulted ceiling and a fireplace. Sandra Barrera, Oc Register, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for custom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for custom
Noun
  • By making this a daily ritual for babies, parents can reap the benefits as well.
    Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Wilson reportedly collapsed after being punched in the chest during a fraternity ritual.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Phelan, who was reelected in his Southeast Texas district in November but a month later ended his bid to keep the speaker's gavel, said awarding some of the chamber's committee chairmanships to the minority party was a decadeslong tradition that was worth preserving.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • This version was inspired by the dashi & Bloody Mary in our Snapper Ceviche, as well as the tradition of horseradish vodka in Eastern European culture (the cultural background of our restaurant owners).
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • This includes expenses such as charitable donations, education expenses, business expenses, and home office deductions.
    Cindy McGhee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Chase is the consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. based in New York City.
    Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • The United States has tried repeatedly to wean itself off immigrant employment, but cheap labor is a tough habit to kick.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • This formula/habit/trend does not typically occur across the pond, so shortening 'Edgware Road' to 'Edgware,' does pose an issue.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • What if my neighbor doesn't follow Milwaukee's rules about weeds and grass?
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • The finding has long served as the foundation for a host of policies and rules to address climate change.
    Jeff Brady, NPR, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The filing comes days after four high-ranking former New York City police officials filed a separate suit alleging that Adams doled out patronage promotions and a culture of cronyism in the NYPD, according to the Associated Press.
    James Powel, USA Today, 17 July 2025
  • Your patronage will help refugees and victims in the Middle East. Details: noon-6 p.m. Sunday, St. Anthony of Padua Church, 2530 Victory Parkway, Walnut Hills.
    Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Available in petite sizing, in addition to regular and tall, these pants have a relaxed yet tailored fit that’s easy to dress up or down.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
  • Lakshmi's first-ever rug collection with Rugs USA just launched, and it's got something for everybody—whether your preferred look is plush and creamy, tailored and neutral, or all about spice tones and global patterns.
    Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • This was a common practice in British rule, as seen with the Irish tenant farmers, as well as in Great Britain’s dominant involvement in the slave trade.
    Tanya Talaga July 24, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
  • Early on in Wednesday morning’s training camp practice, Demani Richardson made a play that transported you to another time and place.
    Alex Zietlow July 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Custom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/custom. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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