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 On top of customary payments, either for services rendered or monthly per-member allotments, the medical practices receive bonuses for meeting targets or improving their performance on core measures. Bernard J. Wolfson and Vanessa G. Sánchez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025 After all, the flagship event had been visibly transformed, with even the customary comedian canceled and virtually no Republican boldfaced names (and not too many celebrities) turning up to the Hilton ballroom Saturday night. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2025 Tesla declined to offer a forecast for sales and profits for the rest of the year, as is customary, saying there was too much economic uncertainty. Arkansas Online, 22 Apr. 2025 For close family and friends, between $50 and $100 is customary. Melissa Willets, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for customary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary
Adjective
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Of all Recall’s risks, the capture of secure comms and documents outside of their usual enclave is top of the list.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • No doubt this has had an impact on his play in the second major of the season, where his driving has been far from his usual quality.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Known for its bold yellow hue and long history in traditional medicine, turmeric has caught the attention of researchers for one surprising reason: its potential to help lower cholesterol.
    Jennifer Moll, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
  • Mirrored after the traditional athletic signing days wherein student athletes commit on paper to pursue their academic and athletic careers at a college or university, academic signing days are designed to honor scholars following a different path.
    Lena Miano, Arkansas Online, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its two sister variants—the F-35A and F-35C—are designed for operations from conventional runways and aircraft carriers, respectively.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • In McPherson’s age, preaching—not unlike the work of an influencer today—was a way for people, especially women, to gain social power and financial success without working a conventional job.
    Dorothy Fortenberry, The Atlantic, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Premium economy updates Premium Plus seats on the 787-9s will feature privacy dividers and wireless charging, an update from the current premium economy configuration across United's fleet.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Speak to employees to understand their needs, and ensure your current coverage isn't prohibitive to certain groups, like LGBTQ+ individuals or single parents.
    Cynthia McEwen, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/customary. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on customary

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