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Definition of averagenext
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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
The average home value in Southgate is $442,638, according to Zillow, while the median monthly rent is $1,751. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026 France's nationwide average temperature hit 30 degrees Celsius, or about 86 degrees Fahrenheit, on June 24 -- the highest-ever temperature recorded, according to weather officials at Meteo-France, the national weather service. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Noun
These figures reflect population averages, not individual predictions. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 Michigan gas prices have been hovering above the national average; even with the state backing off from the usual expensive summer blend fuel requirement for Metro Detroit this summer. Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Verb
According to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, cannabis flower harvested in the 1990s averaged around 5% THC; by 2022, the state’s average flower potency had climbed to roughly 21%, with some strains tested as high as 35%. Peter Su, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 There are outcomes here where Dybantsa averages 30 points and six assists in his prime while providing slightly above-average defense. Josh Robbins, New York Times, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for average
Recent Examples of Synonyms for average
Adjective
  • About 75% of the apartments, or nine units, will be for those making 80% of the area median income or below.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
  • The median home price reached $408,776 in June, according to a Redfin report published on July 13.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • The oil flow out of the Strait of Hormuz is by no means back to normal.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • The physical and mental effort that Bellingham has put himself through at this tournament is not normal.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Before the war, a typical day would see around 100 commercial vessels pass through.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • In a break with soccer protocol, the 11-minute set is reportedly due to extend the typical 15 minute half-time break, with a new half-time of up to 30 minutes.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Quakers were countercultural from the start, seeing women as having spiritual authority equal to men, challenging gender norms of the time, refusing to bear arms and committing to non-violence.
    Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • The answer is to design new workplace norms that treat connection as a core part of how work gets done.
    Carrie Varoquiers, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Beef bones were measured above proper cold holding temperature.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • The dessert bar’s ice cream mix measured 47 degrees in cold storage.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Both teams went back-and-forth, up-and-down the pitch, resulting in nothing until Switzerland broke through in the 67th minute on a Dan Ndoye equalizing goal.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • During the knockout World Cup round Tuesday, Argentina's national team mounted a late comeback where Cristian Romero scored a goal then Lionel Messi equalized with his own goal in the 83rd minute for the win.
    Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • It was made by rich landowners who owned slaves, and it was designed to protect their power, not give ordinary people a real vote.
    Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026
  • Seeing Black children and their families living ordinary yet robust lives in stories undermines negative portrayals.
    Brooke Harris Garad, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Also carried over from the GT-2000 14 is PureGel heel cushioning, which is touted as 65 percent softer than Asics’ standard Gel technology.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
  • Touchscreen displays are standard for smartphones and tablets, but many computer manufacturers have started incorporating them into their laptop designs.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Average.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/average. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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