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average

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noun

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

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verb

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
When ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific are close to average — not unusually warm like El Niño or unusually cool like La Niña — scientists call it ENSO neutral. Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025 Unfortunately for him, only two defenses average more pressures per game than Steve Spagnuolo’s Chiefs. Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
The average 2025 Camry owner in Tennessee will have to refuel roughly 18 times a year based on the average annual driving range. Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Oct. 2025 Sales in 2024 reached 10 million Thai baht, or $305,000, a figure that is significant when compared to an average monthly salary of around 15,600 Thai baht, or $475, according to 2025 data from Thailand’s National Statistical Office. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
That’s down from a year ago but above the long-term average. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025 The miniseries pulled in an average of 14 million viewers a night—more than double the viewership of Jimmy Kimmel’s recent episode returning from his suspension. Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for average
Recent Examples of Synonyms for average
Adjective
  • With a median home price of $645,000, according to Zillow, a mix of condo high-rises and historic brownstones make up the walkable neighborhood, which features numerous parks and a Hudson River waterfront pathway offering skyline views of lower Manhattan.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Also eligible will be people earning less than 60% of the state’s median income — or less than $3,170 per month for a one-person household and $6,096 per month for a four-person household.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts near-to-above normal snowfall on the Ohio Valley's eastern side, which includes Pittsburgh and Charleston, South Carolina, and a below-normal amount on the western side, near the southern tip of Illinois.
    Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Those in the control group were simply asked to maintain their normal daily activities throughout the study and were not assigned any strength programming.
    Peter Mason, Outside, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans at the 1,860-capacity venue left their typical symphony attire hanging in their closets.
    Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Burbank added that a typical zone 2 session lasts about 30 minutes, but can extend to 120 minutes depending on your training goals.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Zack Barnes, a professor of education and former middle school teacher, said initiatives that motivate children to read widely—especially books that challenge norms—can be critical for development.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Each order, each speech, each threat against democratic norms is a stress test.
    Jason M. Blazakis, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Venture capital performance may be measured in ten-year chunks, but only an elite club of firms can claim to have stayed consistent—let alone functional—for anywhere close to that timeframe.
    Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey is an ongoing research program that measures consumer attitudes and behaviors relating to apparel, shopping, fashion, sustainability, and more.
    Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, his two goals on Tuesday weren’t enough to secure a win for his nation, with Magyars midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai equalizing in stoppage time in the 91st minute.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
  • After an early goal from Lyonnes, who are eight-time Champions League winners and 18-time French league title holders, PSG equalized with a converted penalty in the 33rd minute to level the two sides heading into halftime.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Chelsea have had their fair share of entertainers since making their debut in the tournament — the individuals who can just do something out of the ordinary to make everyone realise they are being treated to a game at the highest level.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The climate research nonprofit Climate Central now hosts the database and makes this information available to insurers, policy makers, broadcast meteorologists and ordinary citizens.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to her more standard posts, she's also opened up about her grieving process, sharing updates on her therapy and coping journeys.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Buck Mason’s Loomstate selvedge cowboy cut jeans have a higher rise than the standard fit, giving you a more Western style.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Average.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/average. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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