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usual

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word usual distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of usual are accustomed, customary, habitual, and wonted. While all these words mean "familiar through frequent or regular repetition," usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

How is accustomed related to other words for usual?

Accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom.

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

In what contexts can customary take the place of usual?

The words customary and usual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When could habitual be used to replace usual?

Although the words habitual and usual have much in common, habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

When is wonted a more appropriate choice than usual?

The words wonted and usual can be used in similar contexts, but 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 usual
Adjective
Ebonē Colbert ordered her usual on her weekly trip to Wendy's with her son: a kid’s meal with a plain cheeseburger for him and a Dave’s Single, a burger topped with lettuce and tomato, for herself. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 26 Aug. 2022 On the first day back, Evans ordered his usual: a single cheeseburger, fries and a Coke. Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2022
Noun
His day with Yamamoto on Saturday came in Rortvedt’s first start in a Dodger uniform, and a tweak in Yamamoto’s usual in-game operation. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025 Feelings are running higher than usual in the French film world over which film should be France’s 2026 candidate. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for usual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usual
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
  • Many automakers returned to advertising during the NFL season last year as vehicle inventory levels returned to more normal levels.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Her therapist – who Heming Willis accidentally referred to her as her own caregiver – explained how normal these feelings were.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That kind of overhaul would be the first dramatic redesign of Apple’s signature product since 2017, when Apple released the iPhone X, the first model without the familiar home button and with Apple’s now-ubiquitous Face ID technology.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Guthrie then attempted to explain her choices by comparing her haircut to Jennifer Aniston's iconic Friends haircut, which became ubiquitous during the hit show's run.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Alila Napa Valley goes beyond the ordinary by offering unforgettable experiences designed to captivate modern travelers, especially Xennials.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The couple have often walked red carpets together, so it certainly wouldn’t be considered out of the ordinary for the 37-year-old to walk the Golden Globes red carpet alongside her beau as his plus-one.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • His analysis of Paqueta’s performances in the four games under scrutiny was that his fouls were simply typical of an attacking midfielder trying — not very successfully — to help his team defensively.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Temperatures will be slightly cooler over the fire today, with winds outside of thunderstorm gusts being typical diurnal winds.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In this way, its role as a familiar calendar entity argues profoundly for itself, unsinkable and ever-long.
    Jordan Michelman, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Now, the Dragons (1-0) will face a familiar foe in Hebron.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • All in all, Southern small talk rules are a fickle thing to follow.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Lawmakers in many states have changed the rules in recent decades to protect winners from being targeted by criminals and unscrupulous people asking for money.
    Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Usual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usual. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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