Synonyms of customary

customary

adjective

ˈkə-stə-ˌmer-ē 

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

• usual
• conventional
• prevailing
• current
• standard
• popular
• prevalent
• going
• normal
• stock
• ordinary
• average
• common
• regular
• widespread
• routine
• universal
• everyday
• ubiquitous
• accustomed
• fashionable
• in
• wonted
• stylish
• epidemic
• modish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unusual
• extraordinary
• uncommon
• nonstandard
• abnormal
• unpopular
• exceptional
• unconventional

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

• traditional
• usual
• conventional
• classical
• historical
• prescriptive
• old
• common
• authentic
• historic
• established
• fixed
• orthodox
• ancient
• habitual
• ancestral
• venerable
• old-world
• hoary
• old-time
• immemorial
• timeless
• age-old
• aged
• antediluvian
• ageless
• dateless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nontraditional
• unconventional
• modern
• current
• new
• contemporary
• untraditional
• present-day
• uncustomary
• new age
• updated
• modernized
• latest
• up-to-date
• unusual
• original
• hot
• newfangled
• modernistic
• ultramodern
• high-tech
• state-of-the-art
• red-hot
• futuristic
• unprecedented
• progressive
• revolutionary
• unorthodox
• mod
• nonconformist
• new-fashioned
• space-age
• supermodern
• nonorthodox

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

Recent Examples of customary

The Coast Guard, as is customary, sank the miraculous truck. —Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

On track after track, Newman threatens to fire up the old fun machine without ever fully committing to pulling the trigger—again and again, his customary musical build-ups fall slack just before the moment of catharsis. —Elizabeth Nelson, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026

Also, the deal was done before the guild held its fairly customary strike-authorization vote this time around. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026

Auriemma was upset with Staley failing to meet him for a customary pregame handshake before their Final Four game tipped off. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026