customary
adjective
cus·tom·ary
ˈkə-stə-ˌmer-ē 
-ˌme-rē
1
: commonly practiced, used, or observed
customary acts of courtesy
his customary enthusiasm
2
: based on or established by custom
customary laws
Examples of customary in a Sentence
He forgot the customary “thank you.”
It is customary to hold the door open for someone who is entering a building behind you.
She dressed in her customary fashion.
He did the work with his customary efficiency.
Recent Examples on the Web
In these three episodes of the new season, Rue’s customary narration explains how these characters — who seemed so ready to move on with their lives and never again think about East Highland High School — end up still tethered to one another.
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
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
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
See All Example Sentences for customary
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Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
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
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
See All Example Sentences for customary
Cite this Entry
“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/customary. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
customary
adjective
cus·tom·ary
ˈkəs-tə-ˌmer-ē
1
: based on or established by custom
customary rent
2
: commonly done, observed, or used
her customary kindness
customary courtesies
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