accustomed 1 of 2

Definition of accustomednext

accustomed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of accustom

Synonym Chooser

How is the word accustomed distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of accustomed are customary, habitual, usual, and wonted. While all these words mean "familiar through frequent or regular repetition," accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom.

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

When would customary be a good substitute for accustomed?

While the synonyms customary and accustomed are close in meaning, 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

In what contexts can habitual take the place of accustomed?

The words habitual and accustomed can be used in similar contexts, but habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

When could usual be used to replace accustomed?

The words usual and accustomed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

When is wonted a more appropriate choice than accustomed?

The synonyms wonted and accustomed are sometimes interchangeable, 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 accustomed
Adjective
While some Indiana communities have grown accustomed to the naming of a new leader every few years, Suggs will be just the sixth superintendent in the district’s 63-year history. Carley Lanich, IndyStar, 10 Feb. 2026 One has simply grown so accustomed to his cruelty that, in an episode with so many other people acting on their worst impulses, Stephen stands out for momentarily acting on a good one. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
For people accustomed to the idea that nature was eternal and unchanging, Holmes observes, the idea of extinction was profoundly troubling. Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 The Patriots got accustomed to losing last season under Jerod Mayo. Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • His first car was a used Honda Accord.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Now, Cooper said, his son has just gotten used to it.
    Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Electronic shelf labels are being introduced in some Milwaukee-area grocery stores like Walmart and Metro Market.
    Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Carryover funding from previous fiscal years is allowing services to continue to be introduced on a staggered schedule.
    Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Most have found their way, educated themselves, and shaken off horrible memories, negative self-images, and bad relationships that happened for the wrong reasons.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Her four millennial children still don’t own, despite being college-educated.
    Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • You were acquainted with Steve Bannon and all kinds of people.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
  • As a 15-year NBA veteran who’s played his entire career in the Eastern Conference, Nikola Vucevic is well acquainted with the atmosphere at TD Garden.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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