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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective typical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of typical are natural, normal, and regular. While all these words mean "being of the sort or kind that is expected as usual, ordinary, or average," typical implies showing all important traits of a type, class, or group and may suggest lack of strong individuality.

a typical small town

When is it sensible to use natural instead of typical?

While in some cases nearly identical to typical, 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 can normal be used instead of typical?

The words normal and typical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When would regular be a good substitute for typical?

The words regular and typical can be used in similar contexts, but regular stresses conformity to a rule, standard, or pattern.

the club's regular monthly meeting

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 typical While typical October activities like haunted hayrides and pumpkin patch visits may feel far off from the hustle and bustle of New York, the city has its own crop of spooky activities to get in the spirit. Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 Its suction is significantly more potent and efficient than that of a typical vacuum cleaner. PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025 Goundry’s case also highlights the problems faced by women — and those younger than typical dementia sufferers — when trying to get a reliable diagnosis. Nick Miller, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 That’s not a typical mothering experience. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for typical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for typical
Adjective
  • Inflammation is a normal response to strength training, when muscle fibers develop small tears.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Turmeric has not been proven to lower blood sugar in individuals with normal baseline levels.
    Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The squeals, heavy breathing, and tail thrashing of the headline attraction, the ominous pitter-patter of a chestburster scuttling across the floor, and the characteristic crunch of a chestburster smashing through an unfortunate ribcage are all integral to the extra-terrestrial horror.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • If the Supreme Court officially makes the chief executive a unitary executive, the advancement of the public good may depend on little more than the whims of the president, a state of affairs normally more characteristic of dictatorship than democracy.
    Graham G. Dodds, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The below-average rushing attack is probably Philadelphia’s biggest problem, but the anemic passing game isn’t far behind.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025
  • But even with Kaprizov now signed to the largest contract in NHL history ($17 million average annual value, $136 million total), Guerin has the cap flexibility to keep adding — at the deadline and next summer.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ross, with his distinctive afro, soothing voice and sunny outlook, empowered millions of viewers to make and appreciate art through his show The Joy of Painting.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Because the brand has not had a particularly distinctive point of view for several seasons, Dario Vitale successfully mixed it up with very retro references, a youthful exuberance, and separated his point of view from his predecessor, Donatella.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So folding in those salaries along with pre-arb salaries and all the other standard stuff, like player benefits and minor-league salaries, should add another $50 million.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • These devices emit bursts of electromagnetic energy across multiple bands, effectively blinding or hijacking most standard FPV drones that depend on Wi-Fi or radio.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • At the vacation rentals below, uncover all that is distinct and dreamy in Scotland, from coastal cottages to Georgian manor homes.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The fake tundra surrounding the cast definitely had a distinct odor to it.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Last season, in Game 5 of the Panthers’ second-round series against Toronto, Boqvist finished with a goal and an assist with Rodrigues injured and played alongside Barkov and Sam Reinhart on Florida’s top line after moving up from his usual spot on the fourth line.
    Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
  • NBCUniversal has locked in its usual Monday kickoff week to upfronts week in New York, confirming May 11 as the date of its main presentation to advertisers at Radio City Music Hall.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • It's slated to offer a commendable-if-true 330 miles (520 km) range, from a 350-kW fast-charging 122-kWh battery.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The same will be true this season, but with Turner being more mobile and versatile than Lopez, the Bucks will likely play types of defense that Portis may be more comfortable executing.
    Eric Nehm, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Typical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/typical. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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