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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of customary
Ming Tai then ordered the customary small cakes to distribute in the neighborhood as a formal announcement of the upcoming wedding.
—
Charlotte Brooks, Big Think, 13 Mar. 2026
The trial began in August 2025 in a military court, as is customary for terrorism charges, and took place behind closed doors, with the authorities citing security concerns.
—CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Charged atmospheres became customary when the RedHawks showed up.
—Joe Vardon, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
The film is faithful to the franchise’s customary angst, with riotous needle drops (and an obligatory new Nick Cave track) courtesy of Antony Genn and Martin Slattery.
—Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for customary
Charlotte Brooks, Big Think, 13 Mar. 2026
The trial began in August 2025 in a military court, as is customary for terrorism charges, and took place behind closed doors, with the authorities citing security concerns.
—CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Charged atmospheres became customary when the RedHawks showed up.
—Joe Vardon, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
The film is faithful to the franchise’s customary angst, with riotous needle drops (and an obligatory new Nick Cave track) courtesy of Antony Genn and Martin Slattery.
—Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for customary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary
Adjective
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Zendaya first sparked wedding rumors last month when she was spotted with a gold band in place of her usual rock, though fans were unsure if the actor had simply turned her ring towards her palm or switched to a simpler ring to keep the real one safe.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
16 Mar. 2026
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Los Fabulosos Cadillacs are now embarked on their 40th anniversary tour, which should make their show here even more celebratory than usual.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Ken Heinz Hedge Fund Research That breakdown in traditional relationships reflects the unusual nature of the current shock, said industry veterans.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
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Meals are usually served with corn or flour tortillas warmed in a traditional Oaxacan clay oven alongside a flight of salsas made from the 12 different types of chili peppers grown on the property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This four-day celebration of the arts spotlights performances outside of conventional theater walls in more open and unique spaces, such as a boat, park or even in a bubble.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
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But that’s only because his road to Denver was a little less conventional, requiring a little extra perseverance.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Harvesting seed nearby is a way to get plants that are genetically adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions and are more likely to thrive.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
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In the northern United States, enjoying the starry winter sky requires protection against the prevailing low temperatures.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The facility had been recently hardened with a concrete shell and then covered with soil in the months before the current conflict.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
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The discovery that the sun and many of these solar twins are of similar ages and located about the same distance from the center of the galaxy suggests that the sun is not at its current position by accident.—
Charles Q. Choi,
Space.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/customary. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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