Synonyms of customary

customary

adjective

ˈkə-stə-ˌmer-ē 

1

as in usual

accepted, used, or practiced by most people

the customary response to the greeting "How are you?" is "Fine, thanks"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• usual
• conventional
• prevailing
• current
• standard
• popular
• prevalent
• going
• normal
• stock
• ordinary
• average
• common
• regular
• widespread
• routine
• universal
• everyday
• ubiquitous
• accustomed
• fashionable
• in
• wonted
• stylish
• epidemic
• modish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unusual
• extraordinary
• uncommon
• nonstandard
• abnormal
• unpopular
• exceptional
• unconventional

2

as in traditional

based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation

the customary toasting of the bride and groom at their wedding reception

Synonyms & Similar Words

• traditional
• usual
• conventional
• classical
• historical
• prescriptive
• old
• common
• authentic
• historic
• established
• fixed
• orthodox
• ancient
• habitual
• ancestral
• venerable
• old-world
• hoary
• old-time
• immemorial
• timeless
• age-old
• aged
• antediluvian
• ageless
• dateless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nontraditional
• unconventional
• modern
• current
• new
• contemporary
• untraditional
• present-day
• uncustomary
• new age
• updated
• modernized
• latest
• up-to-date
• unusual
• original
• hot
• newfangled
• modernistic
• ultramodern
• high-tech
• state-of-the-art
• red-hot
• futuristic
• unprecedented
• progressive
• revolutionary
• unorthodox
• mod
• nonconformist
• new-fashioned
• space-age
• supermodern
• nonorthodox

Synonym Chooser

How is the word customary distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

How does the word accustomed relate to other synonyms for customary?

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

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

When is it sensible to use habitual instead of customary?

In some situations, the words habitual and customary are roughly equivalent. However, habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

When might usual be a better fit than customary?

While the synonyms usual and customary are close in meaning, usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

When is wonted a more appropriate choice than customary?

The meanings of wonted and customary largely overlap; however, wonted stresses habituation but usually applies to what is favored, sought, or purposefully cultivated.

his wonted determination

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of customary

Land could be freely bought or sold or rented, although there were a variety of legal and customary restrictions that meant the land market was not a smooth mechanism of resource allocation. —Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in Q3 2026. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026

Nehls currently serves as vice president and will take on the customary one-year term as president. —Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026

Republicans are instead taking over the floor with their own speeches, proceeding under regular order but operating outside the normal time limits that are customary when debating legislation. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026