usu·al
ˈyü-zhə-wəl 
-zhəl;
ˈyüzh-wəl
1
: accordant with usage, custom, or habit : normal
2
: commonly or ordinarily used
followed his usual route
3
: found in ordinary practice or in the ordinary course of events : ordinary
: something usual
Synonyms
Examples of usual in a Sentence
Adjective
She charges less than the usual fee.
He took his usual route to work.
the usual method for preparing chili
She is not my usual doctor.
It's usual to charge a fee for delivery.
It's not usual for him to get home so late.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Alyssa Lukpat, WSJ, 28 Sep. 2023
There was a professional wrestling event where the women weren’t allowed to wear their usual costumes.
—The Politics Of Everything, The New Republic, 27 Sep. 2023
The result is that playgrounds like Aspen have been left, if not quite deserted, then considerably less crowded than usual.
—Andrew McCarthy, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2023
Right now, this perennially popular aesthetic has even more appeal than usual.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2023
During pregame infield practice, Robinson was taking his usual verbal abuse from the crowd.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2023
Their nonconference tournament, in Las Vegas against Saint Mary’s and either Xavier or Washington, is the following weekend — earlier than usual.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2023
At first, Youngkin offered his usual disclaimer that he’s humbled by the question but focused on the Nov. 7 legislative elections.
—Gregory S. Schneider, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2023
Add a little extra warmth and spice to your usual brown strands.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2023
Maggie Hennessy, Chicago Tribune, 26 Oct. 2022
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
This style runs small, so reviewers suggest ordering a size larger than your usual.
—Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 23 June 2022
Dealing with long-lasting constipation, diarrhea, or poops that are different from your usual?
—Korin Miller, SELF, 22 Feb. 2022
Since then, my blood sugars have gone from a usual of 110 to the 140s.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 11 Feb. 2022
The brand suggests ordering a size up from your usual to ensure a perfect fit.
—Nicol Natale, Health.com, 27 Oct. 2021
Recently, my usual got met with a wholly unacceptable response.
—Matt Young, Chron, 1 Feb. 2021
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Adjective
All seven male candidates wore the accessory at the last debate, evoking former President Donald Trump’s usual attire.
—Alyssa Lukpat, WSJ, 28 Sep. 2023
There was a professional wrestling event where the women weren’t allowed to wear their usual costumes.
—The Politics Of Everything, The New Republic, 27 Sep. 2023
The result is that playgrounds like Aspen have been left, if not quite deserted, then considerably less crowded than usual.
—Andrew McCarthy, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2023
Right now, this perennially popular aesthetic has even more appeal than usual.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2023
During pregame infield practice, Robinson was taking his usual verbal abuse from the crowd.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2023
Their nonconference tournament, in Las Vegas against Saint Mary’s and either Xavier or Washington, is the following weekend — earlier than usual.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2023
At first, Youngkin offered his usual disclaimer that he’s humbled by the question but focused on the Nov. 7 legislative elections.
—Gregory S. Schneider, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2023
Add a little extra warmth and spice to your usual brown strands.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2023
Noun
Someone’s pouring your usual, sending you to sleep with a bustling soundtrack, or simply offering a comforting anchor in a sprawling, occasionally overwhelming metropolis.
—Maggie Hennessy, Chicago Tribune, 26 Oct. 2022
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
This style runs small, so reviewers suggest ordering a size larger than your usual.
—Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 23 June 2022
Dealing with long-lasting constipation, diarrhea, or poops that are different from your usual?
—Korin Miller, SELF, 22 Feb. 2022
Since then, my blood sugars have gone from a usual of 110 to the 140s.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 11 Feb. 2022
The brand suggests ordering a size up from your usual to ensure a perfect fit.
—Nicol Natale, Health.com, 27 Oct. 2021
Recently, my usual got met with a wholly unacceptable response.
—Matt Young, Chron, 1 Feb. 2021
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'usual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
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Cite this Entry
“Usual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usual. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on usual
Nglish: Translation of usual for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of usual for Arabic Speakers
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