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

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 customary While direct rule required a single legal order that governed both natives and settlers, indirect rule necessitated a dual legal system in which different systems of customary law applied to different groups. Zachariah Mampilly, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025 Surgeons reduced the ribs from the front of the body (versus the lower back, as is customary) and conducted pulmonary tests on patients pre- and post-op. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025 Review: In ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’ on Broadway, here’s George Clooney with an urgent bulletin When George Clooney walks out on stage as Edward R. Murrow, the distinguished American journalist, the chiseled Hollywood star gets the customary entrance applause. Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 When George Clooney walks out on stage as Edward R. Murrow, the distinguished American journalist, the chiseled Hollywood star gets the customary entrance applause. Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for customary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary
Adjective
  • For example, the fires in New Jersey this week have been part of trend: So far in 2025, New Jersey has experienced nearly twice as many wildfires as usual.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Rosemary Oil Shampoo Add a few drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo and wash your hair as usual.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hepworth takes a legal-first approach as opposed to other crypto ''influencers'' or traditional financial consultants, assisting investors in understanding risk, security, and long-term wealth strategies as well as market opportunities.
    Kody Boye, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The Miata’s front-engine layout, with a five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, was a traditional formula that got everything right.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Such an admission not only upsets the conventional framing of the war, but strikes at the very heart of the Vietnamese Communist Party’s own legitimacy to govern the country.
    Made by History, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
  • In one new academic paper, an AI model was able to predict whether a cancer patient is at risk of developing wasting disease better than conventional methods.
    Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Its forecast for sales of $159 billion to $164 billion during the current quarter (April-June) also surpassed analysts' estimates – a sign that Amazon is confident in its ability to navigate the shifting tariff situation.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Bojorquez has been good and is entering the final year of his current deal.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/customary. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on customary

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