median 1 of 2

Definition of mediannext

median

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word median distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of median are average, mean, and norm. While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," 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 would average be a good substitute for median?

The meanings of average and median largely overlap; however, 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 median?

The words mean and median can be used in similar contexts, but 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°

When might norm be a better fit than median?

In some situations, the words norm and median 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 median
Adjective
The median price of an existing home was $417,500 in September, according to the National Association of Realtors, a real estate trade group. — Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,jessica Dickler,sarah Agostino,greg Iacurci,lorie Konish,annie Nova,sharon Epperson,stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 The median first-time homebuyer’s age reached a record 40 in the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 survey. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
Irvine was driving on the bridge Tuesday evening when he was shot in his shoulder, crashed into a median on the bridge and was later pronounced dead at a hospital, Fox News Digital has confirmed. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Early-childhood educators earn a national median near $27,000. — Nathan Bruschi, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for median
Recent Examples of Synonyms for median
Adjective
  • In 2025, the average accident-only pet insurance premium was $112 for cats and $190 for dogs, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • West Aurora also saw improvement in its average math scores on the ACT, but saw a slight decline in ELA.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Until now, Gilead has been the sole supplier of lenacapavir, and demand has outstripped supply in low- and middle-income countries.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Deductible and reimbursement choices also narrow as enrollment age rises, which makes Healthy Paws a much better deal for puppies and kittens than for middle-aged pets.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Confused at first, Marty learns to embrace his new normal and begins to truly appreciate the sights, sounds and people of New York City that previously went unnoticed.
    — Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The company has been very good about adjusting to the new normal too, which is great.
    — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The 24-year-old, like Gordon, who replaced him in the second half, offered energetic pressing, even sprinting from close to the halfway line to close down the goalkeeper at one point.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The 26-year-old information technology administrator consumed a Red Bull energy drink around the film's halfway mark to stay alert.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • The most unique aspect of the Spike Racer is its intentional branding, which does not include any large lateral or medial logos, instead letting the shoe’s design do the talking.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Despite its bond with performance, cringe finds its medial match in such figurative painting.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Scientists thought that atoms in the interstellar medium would transition to either the cold or warm state almost instantly, leaving basically no unstable, intermediate ISM behind.
    — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Attacking the intermediate areas of the field should be more manageable against the Broncos if Rice and right tackle Jaylon Moore (concussion) return to the lineup.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But the steep angle of the ecliptic at dawn in late autumn helps Venus vault noticeably higher with each passing day for observers at mid-northern latitudes.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The Learjet 60, which is described as a mid-size cabin, medium range business jet, departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Median.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/median. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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