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 Doing so, Cohn and Duprat return to their hallmark mode of psychological satire, filtered through a customary comedy-drama prism. John Hopewell, Variety, 19 June 2025 Rather than taking a customary solo lap around the ice at Amerant Bank Arena, Barkov skated directly into a red swarm of his teammates after NHL commissioner Gary Bettman presented him with the shiny silver trophy for the second straight spring. Michael Russo, New York Times, 18 June 2025 Shohei Ohtani took his customary spot atop the Dodgers’ batting order for their game against the Washington Nationals on Sunday afternoon. Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 22 June 2025 What began as a joke soon became customary for the crew to blurt out on set when something went wrong, which happened frequently. Logan Holland, People.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for customary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary
Adjective
  • As usual, Trump did most of the talking, but Rutte was clearly on board and confirmed key details.
    Daniel Fried, Time, 15 July 2025
  • For deeper repair, apply generously as an overnight scalp and hair mask, then wash and style as usual the next day.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • An additional 18 pot still whiskeys won Gold, demonstrating that Ireland’s most traditional whiskey style continues to elevate the standards for flavor, complexity, and craftsmanship.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The left-handed bat seems to have a more traditional torpedo shape.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • For more details on the nature of conventional AI versus AGI and ASI, see my analysis at the link here.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Twice per day, on the way up and back down, Kosmos 2589 briefly passes near a large number of US government and commercial satellites in more conventional geosynchronous orbits but then quickly departs the vicinity.
    Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Here’s how Wheeler has fared against current Padres in the regular season: The 35-year-old veteran threw 41 of his 63 pitches for strikes in Monday’s season debut, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks in 3⅔ innings in a loss.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Technical Defenses: Publishers must invest in organically evolving detection systems that can identify current manipulation techniques and evolve to counter new ones.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/customary. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on customary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!