accustom

verb

ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkə-stəm How to pronounce accustom (audio)
accustomed; accustoming; accustoms
Synonyms of accustomnext

transitive verb

: to make familiar with something through use or experience
accustomation
ə-ˌkə-stə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce accustom (audio)
noun

Synonyms of accustom

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Examples of accustom in a Sentence

the task of accustoming new recruits to shipboard life
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And while that would have been a boost for borrowers saddled with higher borrowing costs, it was expected to be less favorable for savers who had been accustomed to earning big returns with select savings accounts. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Modern consumers, accustomed to instant gratification, demand real-time redemption and seamless integration. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 For parents accustomed to constant caution, experiences like these once seemed impossible. — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Travelers have long been accustomed to packing liquids in their carry-on bags according to the TSA liquid limit, also known as the 3-1-1 rule. — Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for accustom

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acustomen "to habituate (reflexive or intransitive)," borrowed from Anglo-French acustumer, acostumer, from a-, prefix forming transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -customer, costomer, verbal derivative of custume custom entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accustom was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing accustom

Rhymes for accustom

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Browse Nearby Words

accusive
accustom
accustomable
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Cite this Entry

“Accustom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accustom. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

accustom

verb
ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkəs-təm How to pronounce accustom (audio)
: to make familiar

More from Merriam-Webster on accustom

Nglish: Translation of accustom for Spanish Speakers

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