AVERAGE Synonyms: 203 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'average' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of average are mean , median , and norm . While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," average is the quotient obtained by dividing the sum total of a set of figures by the number of figures. // scored an average of 85 on tests

Q: When can 'mean' be used instead of 'average'?

The words mean and average are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean may be the simple average or it may represent value midway between two extremes. // a high of 70° and a low of 50° give a mean of 60°

Q: In what contexts can 'median' take the place of 'average'?

While the synonyms median and average are close in meaning, median applies to the value that represents the point at which there are as many instances above as there are below. // average of a group of persons earning 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 dollars an hour is 6 dollars, whereas the median is 5 dollars

Q: Where would 'norm' be a reasonable alternative to 'average'?

In some situations, the words norm and average are roughly equivalent. However, norm means the average of performance of a significantly large group, class, or grade. // scores about the norm for fifth grade arithmetic

average 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of average next

as in median

being about midway between extremes of amount or size since a Chihuahua seems as impractical as a Saint Bernard, let's get a dog of more average dimensions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in normal

being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events just an average day at the office

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in typical

having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind the company's marketing people want to interview average teenagers to see what kinds of clothes appeal to them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

average

2 of 3

noun

ˈa-v(ə-)rij

as in norm

what is typical of a group, class, or series my cat's a cut above the average when it comes to being a finicky eater

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

average

3 of 3

verb

as in to measure

Related Words

as in to equalize

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word average distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of average are mean, median, and norm. While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," average is the quotient obtained by dividing the sum total of a set of figures by the number of figures.

scored an average of 85 on tests

When can mean be used instead of average?

The words mean and average are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean may be the simple average or it may represent value midway between two extremes.

a high of 70° and a low of 50° give a mean of 60°

In what contexts can median take the place of average?

While the synonyms median and average are close in meaning, median applies to the value that represents the point at which there are as many instances above as there are below.

average of a group of persons earning 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 dollars an hour is 6 dollars, whereas the median is 5 dollars

Where would norm be a reasonable alternative to average?

In some situations, the words norm and average are roughly equivalent. However, norm means the average of performance of a significantly large group, class, or grade.

scores about the norm for fifth grade arithmetic

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 average

Adjective

Her budget briefing book noted that tax receipts through the current fiscal year have grown on average by roughly $11 billion annually, representing 11% compound annual growth, from 2021 levels. —

Paul Francis, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026 The Valentino runways only recently have started to feature more average sized bodies and expand their definition of beauty. —

Jye Marshall, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

Noun

New England scored 16 points, 12 below its regular-season average. —

Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026 AdventHealth Centra Care facilities have seen about 1,500 flu cases per week this year, compared to last year’s average of 1,200, Hendrix said. —

Camila Gomez, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026

Verb

For comparison, top players usually average around 75. —

George Ramsay, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025 Resistance at $14 should be substantial, which means a definitive break above would be a chance to average up. —

Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for average

Recent Examples of Synonyms for average

Adjective

The latest numbers from Denver's Metro Association of Realtors shows the median sales prices in the Denver area is down 2%.

— Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
Between 2017 and 2025, median weekly earnings grew by 38%, while rents increased by 50%, according to a new analysis by the Urban Institute.

— Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026

Definition of median

Browse Nearby Words

aver

average

averaged

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Style

“Average.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/average. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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Last Updated: 27 Jan 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of average

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noun

verb

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