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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
Students are eligible for these scholarships if their household income is at or below 300% of the area median income. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025 Housing affordability: The apartments will be priced based on area median income, with affordable housing for those earning 50% to 80% of the median income and workforce housing for those earning up to 120%. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
Noun
City documents show 71% of the units are required to be rented at 50% of the county's median income, 20% of the units are priced at 60% of the CMI, and the remaining 9% are set at market rate. Liliana Fannin, jsonline.com, 10 July 2025 For comparison, properties listing close to the median home price — $750,000 to $1 million — were taking an average 77 days. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for median
Recent Examples of Synonyms for median
Adjective
  • The average length of care per month jumped from roughly two months in December 2024 to more than five months by May 2025, according to HHS data.
    Nicol León, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • The average American adult uses about 12 personal care products a day, Consumer Reports says, resulting in exposure to an average of 168 chemicals.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • While on the road - Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The board’s confirmation votes — delivered with little debate — confirmed the new normal in Florida higher education: placing Republican insiders and political appointees in top academic leadership roles.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
  • Cooler temperatures are forecast for Super Bowl 59 on Sunday, with highs near seasonal normals.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The expansion team has exceeded expectations and is in contention to make the playoffs at the halfway point largely due to Thornton’s career year.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 18 July 2025
  • The Gilded Age Season 3 reached its halfway point Sunday night with a big episode centered around Gladys’ (Taissa Farmiga) wedding to The Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb), and key in the lead-up to the nuptials is the arrival of Merritt Wever’s character Monica O’Brien.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • The torque tore the medial patellofemoral ligament in the 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman’s right knee and dislocated his kneecap momentarily.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Thiago has only just returned to full fitness after suffering a medial ligament injury in his right knee in May.
    Adam Leventhal, The Athletic, 25 July 2024
Adjective
  • Status: Reopened July 10 after a second inspection found one intermediate violation; a follow-up inspection was required.
    Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2025
  • Best intermediate The Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian, priced around $799, is a robust choice for intermediate astronomers.
    Damian Peach, Space.com, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • July 4th weather forecast in Kansas City Temperatures are expected to return to the 90s on Independence Day, but the higher humidity will push heat index values to the mid-to-upper 90s.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
  • The hot temperatures and humid airmass will produce heat indices in the mid to upper 90s Sunday and Monday, increasing to upper 90s to lower 100s for Tuesday and Wednesday, and possibly 105 degrees for the latter half of the week.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Median.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/median. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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