accustomed

adjective

ac·​cus·​tomed ə-ˈkə-stəmd 

1

: often used or practiced : customary

her accustomed cheerfulness

2

: adapted to existing conditions

eyes accustomed to the dark

3

: being in the habit or custom

a team accustomed to winning

accustomedness

ə-ˈkə-stəm(d)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• given
• habituated
• used
• wont

Choose the Right Synonym for accustomed

usual, customary, habitual, wonted, accustomed mean familiar through frequent or regular repetition.

usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

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

habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

wonted stresses habituation but usually applies to what is favored, sought, or purposefully cultivated.

his wonted determination

accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom.

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

Examples of accustomed in a Sentence

She arrived early enough to get her accustomed seat in the front row.

Josh felt uncomfortably full, as he was not accustomed to eating so much.

Recent Examples on the Web

This could significantly impact families that have become accustomed to tax refunds over the past several years. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

Wink Martindale, Michigan defensive coordinator Both in terms of style and scheme, Martindale would be a change from what Colts fans have become accustomed to lately, that’s for sure. —James Boyd, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

And so, our commentary during heavy snow differs from people accustomed to yearly snowfalls. —Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025

But, when storms originate farther south than a typical winter storm — as occurred Monday — Murdoch said that can leave Santa Cruz more vulnerable to strong waves, and less accustomed to their fury. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acustumed "customary, used (to)," from past participle of acustomen "to accustom"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

accustomed

adjective

ac·​cus·​tomed ə-ˈkəs-təmd 

1

: customary

my accustomed lunch hour

2

: familiar with

3

: being in the habit or custom

accustomed to making decisions