accustom

verb

ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkə-stəm How to pronounce accustom (audio)
accustomed; accustoming; accustoms
Synonyms of accustom

transitive verb

: to make familiar with something through use or experience
accustomation
ə-ˌkə-stə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce accustom (audio)
noun

Synonyms of accustom

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Examples of accustom in a Sentence

the task of accustoming new recruits to shipboard life
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Fischer brings experience overseeing finance at a large public company accustomed to making long-term infrastructure investments. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 Graham used his influence widely and was accustomed to preaching in peculiar settings. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 Murdoch is thick-skinned and accustomed to being underestimated by the condescending Brits, who see him as a crass interloper. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 And while Jonas is no stranger to traversing the nation, often on a tour bus, he may not have been accustomed to the way it was done on the commercial’s set. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustom

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acustomen "to habituate (reflexive or intransitive)," borrowed from Anglo-French acustumer, acostumer, from a-, prefix forming transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -customer, costomer, verbal derivative of custume custom entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accustom was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing accustom

Rhymes for accustom

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Browse Nearby Words

accusive
accustom
accustomable
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Cite this Entry

“Accustom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accustom. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

accustom

verb
ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkəs-təm How to pronounce accustom (audio)
: to make familiar
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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