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
Collectors have become accustomed to shuttling between events and openings spread across the capital. Payal Uttam, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Amid cultural and social upheaval in America, Parton grew accustomed to coming under fire. Shima Oliaee, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
As the chief medical examiner for a county that stores the most human remains in the nation, Greg Hess has for decades been accustomed to the many that arrive at his office every year after being found in the vast and rugged southern Arizona desert. Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 That's particularly relevant for Americans accustomed to booking spontaneous Europe trips. Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • In the center of town, check out Inquiring Minds Bookstore for used and new books with a great kids’ section or Enoki for an eclectic mix of Asian pantry items and vintage clothing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Mihalich, who shares thrift shopping tips and finds with thousands of followers on Instagram, says buying used clothing is as much about saving money as sustainability.
    Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That change was introduced to help give club staff working across transfer departments a more normal working pattern.
    Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Selective repression had already been introduced before 2022 with the imprisonment of a number of governors, ministers, and high-ranking civil servants on charges of corruption and abuse of power.
    Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But these students must also be educated alongside general education peers to meet federal and state class size and inclusivity regulations.
    Melissa Brown, Chalkbeat, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Under the current Blueprint structure, the individuals making the final decisions on how Carroll County’s children are educated do not live here, do not answer to our voters and cannot be held accountable at the ballot box.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • We were thoroughly welcomed and are so happy to have gotten acquainted with such fine folks.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • His followers were also acquainted with Michael’s three children, who featured prominently in the Kneepatch adventurescape, sometimes riding with him on his Harley, outfitted in tiny helmets.
    Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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