CUSTOM Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

custom 1 of 2

noun

ˈkə-stəm

Definition of custom next

as in ritual

a usual manner of behaving or doing it is my custom to have half a bagel and coffee for breakfast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in tradition

an inherited or established way of thinking, feeling, or doing the custom around here is that the bride's family pays for the wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in business

transactions or economic support provided by customers that restaurant certainly lost my custom after they were cited for health code violations

Synonyms & Similar Words

custom

2 of 2

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

Examples 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

Its custom vanity, with a Danby marble top, was fabricated by Stauffer Woodworking. —

David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025 The actress walked the red carpet wearing a custom white sequined column gown by Armani Privé paired with Bulgari’s Mediterranean Reverie necklace and a matching sapphire ring from the brand’s high jewelry collection. —

Julia Teti, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Creative gifts from local vendors include money bouquets and custom Christmas boxes; handmade tumblers; personalized planners; accessories; luxurious self-care products like body creams and foot soaks; mental health books and more. —

Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2024 The main living and entertaining spaces are on the seventh floor, where there’s a 43-foot-long great room backed by a 25-foot-long kitchen featuring custom SieMatic cabinetry, quartzite counters and an eat-in waterfall island, plus integrated appliances by Gaggenau, Miele, and Sub-Zero. —

Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for custom

Recent Examples of Synonyms for custom

Noun

The Catholic faithful across the country could now participate in the American ritual of cheering for their football team on Saturday, while also attending the global ritual of Mass on Sunday.

Hunter M. Hampton / Made by History, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
These sacrifices, Green believes, are linked to fertility rituals.

Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025