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 Completion is subject to several customary conditions, including final approval by Kraft Heinz Board of Directors, the filing and effectiveness of a Form 10 registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Joe Cornell, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Unfortunately, the bulk of the requisite moralizing falls mainly to Palmer’s socially conscious Elena, saddled with one too many speeches about making a difference, which puts a damper on the actress’ customary energetic spark. Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025 Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes worked his customary creative magic from time to time, but threw for only one touchdown while running for another. Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025 The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is subject to customary regulatory approvals. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for customary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary
Adjective
  • For instance, if a wildfire—even if far away—coincides with weather systems blowing pollution into your region, AirNow’s email will recommend staying indoors more than usual.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
  • As such, there’s always been a thrill of danger to every fight, but the difference this time around is that the stakes are far higher than usual.
    David Opie, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Red mesh iron bookshelves and traditional Italian kitchen towels suspended like airy curtains from the ceiling add to the quirky interior.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk capitalized on the widening gap to position himself as a conservative cultural authority on traditional values and religion.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As a result, embodied emissions, e-waste, and the administrative burden of the conventional hardware refresh cycle are greatly reduced.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Broiler Basics & Heat Intensity Unlike conventional oven baking, which uses indirect heat, a broiler produces direct, concentrated heat from above—essentially like an upside-down grill inside your oven.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Arafat’s successor, current PA President Mahmoud Abbas, has banished and imprisoned opponents and critics.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The current Razorback defenders are well aware of the shortcomings in last year’s game.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/customary. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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