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noun

as in average
what is typical of a group, class, or series a temperature chart showing the normals and extremes for various regions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective normal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of normal are natural, regular, and typical. While all these words mean "being of the sort or kind that is expected as usual, ordinary, or average," normal implies lack of deviation from what has been discovered or established as the most usual or expected.

normal behavior for a two-year-old

In what contexts can natural take the place of normal?

The meanings of natural and normal largely overlap; however, natural applies to what conforms to a thing's essential nature, function, or mode of being.

the natural love of a mother for her child

When is regular a more appropriate choice than normal?

While in some cases nearly identical to normal, regular stresses conformity to a rule, standard, or pattern.

the club's regular monthly meeting

When might typical be a better fit than normal?

The words typical and normal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, typical implies showing all important traits of a type, class, or group and may suggest lack of strong individuality.

a typical small town

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 normal
Adjective
However, over time, Nataly can look forward to resuming life as a normal teenager, including returning to playing basketball. Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025 This can result in dehydration and imbalances in sodium and potassium levels, which are critical for normal cellular function and cardiovascular stability. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
By that point, the hotel had settled into its temporary new normal: hosting a revolving door of first-time guests while the city pauses its social calendar that would typically lead a starrier clientele to events there, especially at the height of awards season. Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2025 Following summer-like temperatures early in the week, a cold front moving through the area will bring things down to fall normals in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for normal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal
Adjective
  • These are taxed at different (typically lower) rates than ordinary income.
    Heather L. Locus, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Experts will appreciate them; ordinary users can ignore them.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The current period should be a stable interglacial, which means the next ice age would begin in about 10,000 years, the researchers said in their findings.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Hours of screen time per day for kids 0-8 remained stable, but children are watching less live television and cable and more time short videos on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
    Megan Morrone, Axios, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The drink resembles a typical chai, but the topping is where the drink gets its fruity flavor.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The multi-dimensional tone is a bit more muted than her typical bright golden blonde, with new neutral undertones; Schwartz added a mix of highlights using Schwarzkopf Professional Vario Blond SuperPlus and lowlights with Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance.
    Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Migrant arrivals have dropped to an average of about 350 a week in the city, and the migrant shelter population has dropped from 69,000 about a year ago to under 45,000 now, Adams said Monday.
    Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Zoom in: Among all MLB fanbases, A's fans lose faith quickest, after an average of five losses.
    Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • As usual, Soderbergh edits in style using his Mary Ann Bernard pseudonym and his Peter Andrews pseudonym as well for the fine cinematography.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Agencies that have already received funding approval or operate on a permanent funding basis would continue to operate as usual.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals with Alzheimer's sometimes experience lucid episodes—brief moments when memories resurface and cognitive function appears temporarily restored.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Since, however, the media maven has been spotted out twice, both times appearing to be in lucid and aware of her surroundings.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This in and of itself seems standard fare for a business choice like this.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Actors, the company said, will be paid standard industry rates to voice all dialogue in every script.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Plenty of societal norms may have divorced us from our natural tendency to share and care in moments of stress.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 28 Feb. 2025
  • All of his hits are off right-handers, which is counter to his career norms.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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