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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 Both were typical Freigang goals: arriving late in the box to turn home crosses from the right wing. Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025 The first look was an immediate favorite: a double-breasted black tuxedo-style jacket with a double satin label, gold buttons, and voluminous trousers, all typical for Sacai. Essence, 29 June 2025 Those terminated for unsatisfactory service or misconduct may receive half the typical separation payment. Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025 Martha Stewart is a longtime fan of the brand, often carrying one of these cases instead of a typical purse. Claire Harmeyer, People.com, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for typical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for typical
Adjective
  • Deloitte’s Global Resilience Report, based on surveys of over 2,000 CEOs and 6,000 executives, found that 62% view ongoing disruption as the new normal.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • If the war in Ukraine is to be contained and ultimately resolved, Europe will have to make clear to Beijing that normal commercial relations cannot coexist with China’s support for a war against the European security order.
    Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • At present, Greenland’s population is expected to fall below 50,000 by 2050, mostly due to outward migration and the low birth rates characteristic of most Western countries.
    Morten Høi Jensen, The Dial, 19 June 2025
  • The capsule continues to foreground the use of regionally characteristic materials such as jade, cinnabar, porcelain, and Asian cultural symbols like 玄武 (the Black Tortoise) and 青龙 (the Azure Dragon).
    Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The average term of those loans as of the first quarter this year was 69.5 months.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 9 July 2025
  • The e-bike is almost unbelievably efficient: to fully charge a five-hundred-watt e-bike costs, on average, about eight cents.
    Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some patients also develop distinctive rashes, particularly those associated with Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 7 July 2025
  • The Phoenix Financial Center, a distinctive office complex in central Phoenix, is slated for a major renovation.
    Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • And if your pain is concentrated in your knees and back, a recumbent bike is an especially good option—even compared to a standard exercise bike, Dr. Fata-Chan says.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 1 July 2025
  • The day after his arrest, during a standard medical intake, Pérez was diagnosed with several health issues, ICE said.
    Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Linkin Park manages to push three distinct projects north on the same chart at the same time, as consumption of the Grammy-winning act’s catalog continues to grow.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Among the graffiti was a drawing of a crying woman with a distinct Flavian period hairstyle, as well as the Greek alphabet.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Both are now visible to the naked eye to observers in the Southern Hemisphere and are currently shining millions of times brighter than usual.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The Senate has spent some 18 hours churning through more than two dozen amendments in what is called a vote-a-rama, a typically laborious process that went on longer than usual as negotiations happen on and off the chamber floor.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • What’s the difference between something being emotionally true and factually true, and what should be valued more?
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • In true underworld fashion, García tried to shield himself from the fallout.
    Gina Montaner, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Typical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/typical. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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