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mean

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noun

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as in middle
a middle point between extremes that candidate's moderate views were seen as the mean that voters were looking for

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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adjective (1)

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adjective (2)

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word mean distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mean are average, median, and norm. While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," 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 average take the place of mean?

Although the words average and mean have much in common, 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 could median be used to replace mean?

While the synonyms median and mean 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

When is it sensible to use norm instead of mean?

The words norm and mean can be used in similar contexts, but 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 mean
Verb
For Gen Z, who are digital natives, that may mean becoming early adopters of AI technologies, which can give them an edge. Amit Walia, Fortune, 25 June 2025 That meant buying physical books offered a legal workaround. ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
Noun
Throughout the rest of the complaint, Hilgers goes on to allege that the means by which Temu entices Nebraskan consumers are also unlawful. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 13 June 2025 But his hatred is only a means to an end, and that end his his own glorification [sic]. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
Thirty participants with a mean age of 57.5 were recruited to the trial, each with curable or non-curable cancer and a diagnosis of major depression. New Atlas, 21 June 2025 To this day, the meanest alley cat in London testifies to the eternal return of cat life. Lewis Hyde, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mean
Verb
  • This discount signifies investor skepticism regarding BP’s changing strategy, lackluster earnings, and structural challenges.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Juneteenth, observed annually in the United States on June 19, marks a pivotal moment in American history, signifying the effective end of slavery in the U.S.
    Rebecca L. Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Your business success demands brutal focus on what matters and courage to ignore everything else.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The dads, Brads and Chads who dislike Swift made their negative thoughts known in the comments, but the one that really mattered came from Kelce.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • Iran’s aircraft are now intended for ground support roles, and few are under any illusions that the air force can compete with Israel’s, the most advanced in the region with the latest U.S. technology, including F-35s.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • The modest moves indicate markets are taking the latest development in stride.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
  • The yacht is suited to both inshore and offshore jaunts, with preliminary testing indicating impressive velocity, balance, and control in all conditions.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • The Mets hope Manaea can return for another rehab start by the middle of next week.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
  • But the truce appeared to be on shaky ground Tuesday, with Trump accusing both countries of violating the agreement — and many airlines have halted select routes through the middle of the week, citing safety concerns.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Dark doings—abductions, intrigues—fill the Tacoma papers.
    Caroline Fraser June 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
  • Hoberman pays due attention to the major national and international events that influenced New York’s avant-garde—civil rights, the Vietnam War, political assassinations—and also to historic doings within the city, such as feminist activism and the Stonewall uprising.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • According to the communications ministry, Iranians abroad can now contact their families inside Iran through domestic messaging apps.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
  • The two sides held more talks in a virtual meeting on Thursday, attended by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Vietnam's trade ministry said in a statement.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Philippine billionaire Lance Gokongwei is hiving off about 30.7 billion pesos ($536 million) worth of shopping malls into his family’s RL Commercial REIT that will help the group’s diversified property arm Robinsons Land Corp. raise funds to bankroll its expansion plans.
    Ian Sayson, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • The driver was left unharmed, and the men got away with $57,000 worth of AirTags.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mean. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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