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
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
As is customary, membership remains a matter of sponsorship rather than application, administered across the Academy’s 19 branches and a single membership classification.
—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
24 June 2026
The company uses long-term contracts that mimic regulated returns, avoiding the fluctuations customary in deregulated markets.
—
Conor Harrison,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Non-religious on-field huddles are also customary in soccer and elsewhere.
—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
In year three, the customary gift is leather, because by then a couple should really know each other’s kinks.
—
Hillary Busis,
Vanity Fair,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for customary
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
24 June 2026
The company uses long-term contracts that mimic regulated returns, avoiding the fluctuations customary in deregulated markets.
—
Conor Harrison,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Non-religious on-field huddles are also customary in soccer and elsewhere.
—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
In year three, the customary gift is leather, because by then a couple should really know each other’s kinks.
—
Hillary Busis,
Vanity Fair,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for customary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary
Adjective
-
This could include sniffing around more than usual or barking and growling at odd places like piles of leaves.
-
Finally, a birthday that really deserves all the usual fireworks.
Adjective
-
But the shift underscores a dramatic loss of clout by Comcast and other traditional media enterprises.
-
While the crowds spent their money on an overheated summer in the Mediterranean, a quieter group is waiting patiently for September, October and November, the traditional shoulder season.
Adjective
-
But cruise missiles are more versatile in conventional warfare.
-
The majority of Georgian wine reaching export markets is made in what producers call the European style — stainless steel fermentation, conventional winemaking, easily approachable.
Adjective
-
The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.
-
Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.
Adjective
-
The union says it’s already made concessions at the bargaining table but with little offered in return to improve current conditions and wages.
-
Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past.
Cite this Entry
“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/customary. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
