CUSTOMARY Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'customary' distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

Q: How does the word 'accustomed' relate to other synonyms for 'customary'?

Accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom. // accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

Q: When is it sensible to use 'habitual' instead of 'customary'?

In some situations, the words habitual and customary are roughly equivalent. However, habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition. // a habitual morning routine

Q: When might 'usual' be a better fit than 'customary'?

While the synonyms usual and customary are close in meaning, usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness. // my usual order for lunch

Q: When is 'wonted' a more appropriate choice than 'customary'?

The meanings of wonted and customary largely overlap; however, wonted stresses habituation but usually applies to what is favored, sought, or purposefully cultivated. // his wonted determination

customary

adjective

ˈkə-stə-ˌmer-ē

Definition of customary next

as in usual

accepted, used, or practiced by most people the customary response to the greeting "How are you?" is "Fine, thanks"

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as in traditional

based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation the customary toasting of the bride and groom at their wedding reception

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word customary distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

How does the word accustomed relate to other synonyms for customary?

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

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

When is it sensible to use habitual instead of customary?

In some situations, the words habitual and customary are roughly equivalent. However, habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

When might usual be a better fit than customary?

While the synonyms usual and customary are close in meaning, usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

When is wonted a more appropriate choice than customary?

The meanings of wonted and customary largely overlap; however, 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 customary The bar is open for just two hours each day, during the customary apres-hours of 3 to 5pm. —

Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 This was a customary thing that would happen in royal families. —

Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 As the players headed to their benches and the officials took their customary walks to the scorer’s table for the time out, Atkinson scrunched his face, stuck out his hands, and mockingly clapped toward Blair — who ignored the obvious taunt. —

Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 May 2026 As expected, Sony Music Publishing has announced an agreement to acquire the complete music rights portfolio of Recognition Music Group from funds managed by Blackstone, subject to customary closing conditions. —

Jem Aswad, Variety, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for customary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary

Adjective

The Cavs, who were bounced in five games out of the second round last year, were 15-14 in late December and battling their usual mix of injuries.

— Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 18 May 2026
General Daily Insight for May 17, 2026 Fresh thinking moves faster than our usual filters today.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026

Definition of usual

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customarily

customary

custom-built

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“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/customary. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of customary

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