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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
Augusta National operates differently than normal places. Brody Miller, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 This health condition occurs when your blood sugar is slightly higher than normal but not yet in the range for type 2 diabetes. Julia Ries, Health, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
The Lakers have talked a lot about adjusting and adapting to their new normal with All-Star Luka Doncic now in the fold. Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 21 Feb. 2025 Also, this year’s event coincides with a consolidation of an old new normal. John Hopewell, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for normal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal
Adjective
  • During ordinary times, this accommodation would reflect an appropriate respect for the constitutional separation of powers.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Inevitably, skipping ordinary procedural checks, the administration made at least one mistake in deporting Abrego Garcia, and probably many others.
    The Editors, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The unpredictability makes the U.S. seem less stable, less reliable, and a less safe place for their money, experts say.
    CBS News, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Unlike stable volume, which is enabled on a video-to-video basis, YouTube Music's consistent volume is toggled globally.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Gaining insights into tariff talks would fall squarely within Beijing's typical spying domains, Gundert said.
    Sam Sabin, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The physical and financial strains typical of an aging household may have caused hardships for removing vegetation – a best practice in protecting a structure from an ember fire.
    Calvin Schermerhorn, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The suspension has an average of eight inches of travel and is adjustable front and rear.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • That season, the Boston Celtics led the NBA in 3-point attempts, hoisting an average of 26.3 per game.
    Christian Clark, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s not to say there isn’t more cleanup than usual between showings.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • While the set seems a bit on the chintzy side, scenic designer Beowulf Boritt does his usual stellar work, assisted immensely by Ken Billington’s full-of-pizzazz lighting design.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The former, while lucid, are often left wanting for a human anchor.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Over the past nine years, he had been evaluated at least nine times — only twice, court records show, was he judged at least temporarily lucid enough to stand trial.
    Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The series, working with plenty of time never forsakes a standard television clip.
    Anthony Paletta, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Yes, this Amazon tiny home includes a full bathroom, complete with a roomy shower, a standard toilet, and a sink.
    Katrina Cossey, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • By early next week, meteorologists expect a warming trend with temperatures rising to seasonal norms, the weather service said.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Education experts say the growing number of uncertified teachers working in Texas schools could undermine efforts to improve student achievement, which continues to lag behind pre-pandemic norms.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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