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

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

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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

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 The elder, Alamagan, attempts to resolve the conflict through customary law and religious counsel, but the absence of truth fractures the community. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026 The village elder fails to resolve the case via customary law and religious counsel. — John Hopewell, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 As is customary on Grylls’ shows, guests dine on animals found during their escapades – each far less appetizing than loaves of bread or fish. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026 Moretta is 10 years past the customary retirement age for Catholic priests. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for customary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary

Adjective

Its separate entrance, elevators, and staff have always set it apart from the surrounding casino ecosystem, offering a smoke-free, gaming-free environment with all the brand’s usual service signatures.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
For example, someone who is comfortable walking for 30 minutes could walk at their usual pace for several minutes, then pick it up for a minute or two before slowing down again.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of usual

Adjective

Despite a bear market, Schwab responded to client demand for consolidating crypto alongside traditional investments.

— Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
The secret mission was carried out without the knowledge of members of the press traveling with the president and even some White House officials who were still aboard the old traditional Air Force One.

— Isabella Murray, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of traditional

Adjective

Astronomers have discovered an unusually massive, dense exoplanet that challenges conventional ideas about how rocky planets form.

— Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Amentum and Laing O’Rourke will therefore join a project extending beyond conventional shipyard construction.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of conventional

Adjective

The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.

— Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 18 Mar. 2026

Definition of prevailing

Adjective

Such is a reality of a salary-cap — and in the Heat’s current case, hard-cap — league that forces choices.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
In April, the Department of Justice indicted 10 current and former Mexican officials, including a Morena party official, on charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of current

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customarily

customary

custom-built

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“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/customary. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of customary

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