customary

adjective

ˈkə-stə-ˌmer-ē How to pronounce customary (audio)
Definition of customarynext
1
as in usual
accepted, used, or practiced by most people the customary response to the greeting "How are you?" is "Fine, thanks"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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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 Doing so, Cohn and Duprat return to their hallmark mode of psychological satire, filtered through a customary comedy-drama prism. —John Hopewell, Variety, 19 June 2025 Rather than taking a customary solo lap around the ice at Amerant Bank Arena, Barkov skated directly into a red swarm of his teammates after NHL commissioner Gary Bettman presented him with the shiny silver trophy for the second straight spring. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 18 June 2025 Shohei Ohtani took his customary spot atop the Dodgers’ batting order for their game against the Washington Nationals on Sunday afternoon. —Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 22 June 2025 What began as a joke soon became customary for the crew to blurt out on set when something went wrong, which happened frequently. —Logan Holland, People.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for customary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for customary
  1. usual
  2. traditional
  3. conventional
  4. current
Adjective
  • Elie Saab’s show, as usual, was on point, showcasing spectacular, timeless red-carpet-style gowns which were opulent and glamorous in equal measure.
    — Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • For deeper repair, apply generously as an overnight scalp and hair mask, then wash and style as usual the next day.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • An additional 18 pot still whiskeys won Gold, demonstrating that Ireland’s most traditional whiskey style continues to elevate the standards for flavor, complexity, and craftsmanship.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The left-handed bat seems to have a more traditional torpedo shape.
    — Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • This means the country's Royal Air Force could join NATO's dual capable aircraft fleet, featuring jets certified to carry American tactical nuclear weapons as well as conventional bombs and missiles.
    — Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • The Male Opportunity Here’s where conventional understanding of resale may miss the mark: men are driving resale adoption more aggressively than women.
    — Kristen Classi-Zummo, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of conventional
Adjective
  • The county and the Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to work toward a new 11-year lease agreement instead of extending the current lease for Paycor Stadium, which was signed in 1997 and has long been criticized by taxpayers.
    — Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025
  • The Outlet Fire in 2000, a prescribed burn that ran out of control, left a wall of aspen to the east that proved a partial barrier to the current fire.
    — Tom Zoellner, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of current

Browse Nearby Words

customarily
customary
custom-built
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Cite this Entry

“Customary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/customary. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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