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

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 customary This year's winner: a customary lei kui or sewn lei. Jonathan Vigliotti, CBS News, 18 May 2025 Following that, in some of the least surprising developments of the night, Chris Stapleton reprised his customary win as male vocalist of the year; Old Dominion won group of the year for the eighth year in a row; and veterans Brooks & Dunn returned to the winners’ circle as duo of the year. Chris Willman, Variety, 9 May 2025 Trump removed his shoes during his visit, as is customary in mosques, and was escorted by Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi. Aya Batrawy, NPR, 15 May 2025 The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for customary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary
Adjective
  • When the Grand National Tour stopped in Arizona on Wednesday (May 27), SZA was doing her usual pre-show ritual of greeting fans outside during her NOT Beauty pop-up.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 29 May 2025
  • Nvidia’s Jensen Huang was more somber than usual on the AI juggernaut’s conference call following its blockbuster earnings, according to CNBC’s Kristina Partsinevelos , who has been analyzing all the action in the cult stock for the last 24 hours.
    John Melloy, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Only your employer's profit sharing, safe harbor and matching contribution must go into the traditional 401(k) account.
    David Rae, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The new logo replaces the club’s traditional male lion with the image of a lioness.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Today, SpaceX routinely reuses capsules and rockets that look much more like conventional space vehicles than the winged designs of yesteryear.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
  • While conventional productivity tools address symptoms, one mindset consistently proves more effective as a long-term defense: curiosity.
    Rob Robinson, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Richie tells the lawman that Harry is smart, but unhappy with his current employment with Conrad.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • That’s enough demand, figures Goldman, to drive the price up to $4,000 an ounce, a roughly 30% rise from a current $3,400.
    Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/customary. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on customary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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