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custom

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adjective

as in customized
made or fitted to the needs or preferences of a specific customer that business tycoon wears only custom suits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun custom differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of custom are habit, practice, usage, and wont. While all these words mean "a way of acting fixed through repetition," custom applies to a practice or usage so steadily associated with an individual or group as to have almost the force of unwritten law.

the custom of wearing black at funerals

When can habit be used instead of custom?

Although the words habit and custom have much in common, habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively.

had a habit of tapping his fingers

When is practice a more appropriate choice than custom?

In some situations, the words practice and custom are roughly equivalent. However, practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice.

our practice is to honor all major credit cards

Where would usage be a reasonable alternative to custom?

The synonyms usage and custom are sometimes interchangeable, but usage suggests a customary action so generally followed that it has become a social norm.

western-style dress is now common usage in international business

In what contexts can wont take the place of custom?

The words wont and custom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wont usually applies to a habitual manner, method, or practice of an individual or group.

as was her wont, she slept until noon

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 custom
Noun
Tonight, the Emilia Pérez star met the moment in an ornate custom Ralph Lauren dress inspired by Sophia Loren. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025 Between a radical new design language, more immersive cabin features, and a custom ECU for an engaging driving experience not common in EVs, it's got a lot cooking with the Neue Klasse range. New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The party was covered with the TikTok logo from a TikTok photo booth, to TikTok floor lights, TikTok napkins, and even custom TikTok ear-muffs in the gift bags, even though the ceremony on Monday had already been moved inside. Taylor Lorenz, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2025 These bespoke pieces offer intimate storytelling through custom, fine jewelry. Kelly Wearstler, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for custom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for custom
Noun
  • Eating Chomps has become a faithful ritual for an average day.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Neighborhood theaters made attending movies a weekly or even daily ritual for audiences.
    Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This culinary institution strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
    Shelby Knick, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Tony Bennett Cheek to Cheek perfectly reflects Taurus’ Venusian sensuality and love for tradition.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Although some of the Westerners who engaged in lucrative business in Russia expressed concern over Putin’s unchallenged primacy in presiding over the arbitrary redistribution of property and the rapid consolidation of state ownership, the squeamish were far outnumbered by the opportunistic.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Jackson allegedly lied during a civil deposition about receiving secret funding for his trucking business from a powerful waste-hauling firm, according to federal prosecutors.
    Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This could be because viral outrage on social media might come from individuals who weren't customers to begin with or because digital participation in the boycott can sometimes reduce the motivation to take more meaningful action like changing purchasing habits.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Couples often develop an unspoken rhythm—mirroring each other’s pacing, breathing patterns or even eating habits.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Under a rule the Hall’s board of directors adopted in 1991, anyone on the permanently ineligible list can’t be considered for election to the Hall.
    Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Under a rule adopted by the Hall's board of directors in 1991, anyone on the permanently ineligible list can't be considered for election to the Hall.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Understanding the competition between these two men helps illuminate Trump’s particular style of governing—one defined by patronage and dealmaking.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • There have also been calls on social media for Canadians to rethink their investments in U.S. companies and their patronage of American firms ranging from McDonald's, Walmart and Microsoft.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Streetwear brand Stone Island is maturing with the times, moving into more tailored outerwear and knitwear.
    Lily Templeton, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Today’s customers expect tailored interactions, and data allows marketers to meet these expectations.
    Trish Nettleship, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Primary care physicians in the US typically see 20 – 30 patients a day, in consultations that in some practices average as short as 12 minutes.
    Stephen Wunker, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Jones is expected to report to the Panthers for Monday’s practice before that night’s game against Tampa Bay.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Custom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/custom. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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