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 Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback Carson Wentz wore a ball cap during practice stretches Wednesday, located in his customary position next to starter Patrick Mahomes. —

Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025 Fonseca was under no obligation to show up for the customary debrief. —

James Horncastle, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 Such unofficial stopovers in the US are customary for Taiwan leaders. —

Wayne Chang, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024 Roberts welcomed Chase Strangio, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, with the customary phrase that recognized the first openly transgender lawyer to practice before the high court. —

Melissa Brown, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for customary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary

Adjective

The 166-person-capacity diner was already bustling more than usual for a Thursday night thanks to a local school fundraiser, and the waiting area was noticeably filled with film and TV superfans wearing T-shirts and hats inspired by Twin Peaks, Eraserhead and other Lynch hits.

— Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Jan. 2025
What is clear is that many areas of the central and eastern U.S. are experiencing a colder than usual January, Taylor said.

— Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 17 Jan. 2025