USUAL Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'usual' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of usual are accustomed , customary , habitual , and wonted . While all these words mean "familiar through frequent or regular repetition," usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness. // my usual order for lunch

Q: How is 'accustomed' related to other words for 'usual'?

Accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom. // accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

Q: In what contexts can 'customary' take the place of 'usual'?

The words customary and usual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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: When could 'habitual' be used to replace 'usual'?

Although the words habitual and usual have much in common, habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition. // a habitual morning routine

Q: When is 'wonted' a more appropriate choice than 'usual'?

The words wonted and usual can be used in similar contexts, but wonted stresses habituation but usually applies to what is favored, sought, or purposefully cultivated. // his wonted determination

usual 1 of 2

adjective

ˈyü-zhə-wəl

Definition of usual next

as in conventional

accepted, used, or practiced by most people that's not the usual method, but it works

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in normal

being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events the characters in this novel are drawn with greater depth than is usual for a work of science fiction

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ubiquitous

often observed or encountered the usual reaction to the sight of the falls is one of absolute awe

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usual

2 of 2

noun

as in ordinary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word usual distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of usual are accustomed, customary, habitual, and wonted. While all these words mean "familiar through frequent or regular repetition," usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness.

my usual order for lunch

How is accustomed related to other words for usual?

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

accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty

In what contexts can customary take the place of usual?

The words customary and usual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When could habitual be used to replace usual?

Although the words habitual and usual have much in common, habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition.

a habitual morning routine

When is wonted a more appropriate choice than usual?

The words wonted and usual can be used in similar contexts, but 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 usual

Adjective

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 Across from them in their usual stalls stood the eight neighing horses. —

Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025

Noun

Ebonē Colbert ordered her usual on her weekly trip to Wendy's with her son: a kid’s meal with a plain cheeseburger for him and a Dave’s Single, a burger topped with lettuce and tomato, for herself. —

Aria Bendix, NBC News, 26 Aug. 2022 On the first day back, Evans ordered his usual: a single cheeseburger, fries and a Coke. —

Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2022 See all Example Sentences for usual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for usual

Adjective

Unlike conventional robots made from rigid metals and gears, Clone’s creations are flexible and replicate the nuances of human tissue.

— Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
Idaho’s big-game hunters generally think that modern hunting technology in the form of conventional optics and firearms, digital mapping services, and even ATVs and side-by-sides is acceptable.

— Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025