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 Which is why Mahomes played all of 48 seconds in the first two irrelevant games as Reid deviated from his customary inclination to play him most in the second-to-last rehearsal. Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2025 The individual episodes engross you in an enchanting mix of absurd situational humor and customary family crises, with each nestled closely next to poignant reminders of time’s passing. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 22 Aug. 2025 Nor was he sworn in by the district’s chief judge, which has been customary for decades. Jay Weaver august 13, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025 Ann Wilson did most of the talking from the stage, which, of course, is customary for the lead vocalists. Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for customary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary
Adjective
  • While the Irish Open was snubbed from this latest National Open status upgrade wave, the golf-mad nation’s key event remains a highlight on the DP World Tour calendar, with venues that as usual stir a bit of wanderlust among golf travelers.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In Colorado, the aspens should offer good viewing from September through mid-October, though dry conditions may cause leaves to drop a bit earlier than usual, according to AccuWeather.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This more traditional system is where Tottenham have ended up.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • At the same time, identity categories have become more fluid, and traditional sources of authority — religion, education, government — are more likely to be contested or distrusted.
    Christopher P. Scheitle, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The technique might also yield interesting possibilities in cell therapy or precision surgery, where conventional tools are too large or blunt.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Such intimate screenings and parties will continue in different locations as the film makes its way into conventional theaters.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His current district, spanning the northeastern Sacramento suburbs and Lake Tahoe, runs hundreds of miles south to Death Valley.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Emery is more articulate than many, and debating the fairness of the current system is a worthy endeavour, but even that snippet was rooted in a generous interpretation of ‘good management’.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/customary. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on customary

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