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noun

as in average
what is typical of a group, class, or series a temperature chart showing the normals and extremes for various regions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective normal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of normal are natural, regular, and typical. While all these words mean "being of the sort or kind that is expected as usual, ordinary, or average," normal implies lack of deviation from what has been discovered or established as the most usual or expected.

normal behavior for a two-year-old

In what contexts can natural take the place of normal?

The meanings of natural and normal largely overlap; however, natural applies to what conforms to a thing's essential nature, function, or mode of being.

the natural love of a mother for her child

When is regular a more appropriate choice than normal?

While in some cases nearly identical to normal, regular stresses conformity to a rule, standard, or pattern.

the club's regular monthly meeting

When might typical be a better fit than normal?

The words typical and normal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, typical implies showing all important traits of a type, class, or group and may suggest lack of strong individuality.

a typical small town

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 normal
Adjective
Haliburton looked like his normal self on the court, going 4-of-9, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, to tally 12 points with four assists, two steals and one rebound in the first half. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025 At the World Championships, Metcalfe saw a competitor achieve a 100kg deadlift and decided to push herself beyond her normal limits. Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
That might well be the new normal for Toronto, Sundance and Cannes. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025 Normal snow range is the three-decade averages of climate normals from 1991-2020. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for normal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal
Adjective
  • Unlike ordinary memory supplements, Neuriva Memory 3D has clinically tested ingredients to support three dimensions of memory: short-term, long-term and working.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Her exercises, lifted from decades of performance scores, are designed to turn ordinary acts into meditative rituals.
    Ellen O'Connell Whittet June 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • One of the victims was in critical condition and the other was in stable condition, McCarty said.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 29 June 2025
  • In 1978 Lukas dissolved his quarter-horse stable and immersed himself in thoroughbred racing at Santa Anita.
    Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Though on the surface the blazing, barking vocals and triple-time speed of the track are seemingly at odds with the Foos’ typical mix of pop hooks and radio-friendly rock, the cover makes perfect sense given Grohl’s punk rock pedigree.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 July 2025
  • Temperatures will be around 87 degrees, which is typical for this time of year in the metro.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • There, McNeeley teamed up with Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, as well as fellow first-rounders Derik Queen and Asa Newell, forming the core of a 33-0 national championship team that won games by an average of 34 points.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025
  • Between 2021 and 2023, climate finance grew by an average of 26% per year, significantly faster than the 8% annual growth seen from 2018 to 2020.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is an excellent day for business and commercial ventures, because your objectives and goals are clearer to you than usual.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 22 June 2025
  • Lawmakers’ home addresses have already been removed from the Minnesota Legislature’s website, and the Capitol saw a larger security presence than usual this week.
    Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • But the idea of an algorithm, which is as prone to generate nonsense as anything lucid, representing a deceased person’s thoughts or behaviors seems terrifying.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 June 2025
  • These treatments can help people maintain their independence longer and make the most of their lucid years.
    Jim Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • From the Beginning will be released on Sept. 12 via streaming services in standard audio and Dolby Atmos audio and can be pre-saved here.
    Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 20 June 2025
  • Your payment method will automatically be charged in advance the introductory rate of $1.00 every 4 weeks for 1 year, and after 1 year the standard rate of $8.00 every 4 weeks.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The authors suggested four norms to counter it, including phone-free schools, where students are separated from devices throughout the school day.
    Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • But almost every year after that four-year trough, as the Chinese appetite for U.S. exports increased, that percentage moved toward the historical norm of 39.95%.
    Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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