median 1 of 2

Definition of mediannext

median

2 of 2

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 region’s median home price dropped 1% in the year ended in March, according to Attom’s math. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 29 May 2026 The city is providing subsidies so middle-income workers with an annual income ranging from 80% to 110% of the area median income can live in the tower. George Avalos, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
Noun
The car then rotated left into the center median before striking the guardrail and rolling over, state patrol said. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 1 June 2026 Let’s ponder California price cuts, as measured by the six-county median of Zillow’s finds, and compare those patterns with nationwide trends. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for median
Recent Examples of Synonyms for median
Adjective
  • The organization calculated the average tuition and financial aid assistance at schools around the nation, then report the median of those averages.
    Chase Jordan June 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
  • According to the website Extreme Weather Watch, here is the average high and low temperature in Kansas City on the dates of the six matches scheduled here.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • While on the road - Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026
  • The junior middle hitter finished with six kills, helping the RedHawks reach the semifinals for the third year in a row with a 25-22, 25-19 win over Lane Tech.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Then, before the listener can fully settle in, the Puerto Rican rapper and singer fires off bars claiming that Grammys were stolen from him and details his many nights spent sleeping on the floor to his new normal of earning $500,000 per show.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
  • Most likely, the new normal in the Persian Gulf will be chronic instability and frequent disruptions in shipping.
    Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
Adjective
  • Rue’s death comes just 45 minutes into the finale, around the halfway point.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 1 June 2026
  • Playing all the way out of the back, defender Alex Freeman weighted a perfect pass to Pepi across the halfway line and the striker charged forward, drawing the Senegalese defense once again.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal suspected to have rabies, seek medial care immediately and let your provider know about the possible exposure.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 1 June 2026
  • Thick rope laces and leather sockliners further separate the pairs from standard Air Force 1s, while custom Oregon embroidery appears on both the lateral and medial sides.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Peak cooling efficiency is typically reached at intermediate speed, so there isn't a reason to have the ceiling fan set as fast as possible.
    Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
  • Wide receiver Jalen Coker had the best day among receivers on Tuesday, making plays mostly in the short-to-intermediate pass game.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The mid-tournament tweak seems to be working.
    Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 7 June 2026
  • In Roanoke, the mountains provide an enchanting backdrop for a mid-sized city—small enough to get around on foot or by bike, but large enough to have a variety of fun things to do.
    Julekha Dash, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Median.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/median. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on median

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster