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"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 customary The merger is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024 The Gaetz fiasco underscores the folly of Senate Republicans in eagerly agreeing to recess appointments by Trump to circumvent the customary constitutional requirement of Senate confirmation of principal officers of the United States. —

Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 18 Nov. 2024 Zhang grew up in China, where giving monetary gifts during holidays and special events is customary. —

Allie Volpe, Vox, 19 Nov. 2024 Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the secretary-general of the supreme council of antiquities in Egypt, told ABC News that most of the wooden coffins and linen wraps that would have been customary for these kinds of burials were destroyed by ancient floods. —

Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for customary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary

Adjective

The Princess of Wales has also experimented with her usual jewelry this year and occasionally switched out her iconic sapphire engagement ring that previously belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, for a sparkly stack of bands including an unusual new eternity ring.

Janine Henni, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
Lack of meeting is 'a lost opportunity' Colorado Commissioner Becky Mitchell on Thursday noted that the annual conference here had not led to its usual interstate negotiations.

Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024