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
In Russia, the fuel shortages are unnerving many Russians who had grown accustomed to the war in Ukraine being only a distant nuisance. — Ivan Nechepurenko, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Notice which demands actually require your presence and which ones are simply accustomed to having it. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
Lundy and her care team periodically change the water flow rates in the tanks so the baby frogs grow strong limbs and are accustomed to swimming in different conditions. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026 Across a high-energy midday set that spanned their chart-topping singles and fan favorites, the six moved across the stage with the confidence of a group accustomed to one another’s rhythms, while fans in the crowd danced along in the stands. — Crystal Bell, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustomed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accustomed
Adjective
  • The program aims to keep used textiles out of general waste and mixed recycling bins, preserve clothing for reuse and improve the supply of material suitable for fiber-to-fiber recycling.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The shop just minutes away from TCU sells used books between $5 and $20.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Sánchez's government suffered a bruising legislative defeat last week when right-wing opposition parties voted down emergency decrees introduced by his government to address evictions and real estate speculation.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Having introduced the concept of afternoon tea to Madrid in a previous incarnation, the Ritz once again offers scones with clotted cream in the leafy Palm Court.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • After this tragedy, Matheson educated herself on the impact of trauma to the brain.
    — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The obvious response is to say the next generation should be better educated.
    — Anatoly Iofe, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Madonna apparently didn’t need to spend much time getting acquainted with the place.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The bonus was getting Pitre, whom the Mets acquired from Tampa Bay at the deadline, a chance to get slightly acquainted with Citi Field.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accustomed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accustomed. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!