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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
The first clue will be to begin seeing normal trading ranges. Jj Kinahan, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 If your magnesium levels are normal or high, your kidneys will remove extra magnesium through your urine. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
This year’s small audience decline is pretty on par with other award shows recently, suggesting that these ceremonies might be settling into a new normal after all of them saw viewership tank in 2020. Katie Campione, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025 The new normal was still jarring despite over three weeks having passed since the trade. Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for normal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal
Adjective
  • It will be attended by dozens of religious and political leaders from around the world, including President Donald Trump, and thousands of ordinary worshipers.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Oliver is closer to ordinary than dominant on a game-by-game basis, while DeWayne Carter was a healthy scratch in the playoffs.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Switzerland’s neutral politics, stable economy, strong currency and reliable legal system are all a draw.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The final step of the process uses what’s left after biofuel production as a stable, non-leaching crop fertilizer.
    Robin Roenker, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a typical spring, apply the herbicide in early to mid-April.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Some might offer better support than others or have a more natural resting spot for thumbs, but to greater or lesser extents, a good mouse is sculpted to fit the arch of the typical human hand.
    Matt Kamen, Wired News, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Although exact figures are tough to pin down, Wrexham’s payroll during its single season in League Two was estimated to be roughly double the league average.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The reigning American League MVP entered Saturday leading MLB hitters with a .408 average, a .508 on-base percentage, a .714 slugging percentage and a 1.222 OPS.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, the fires in New Jersey this week have been part of trend: So far in 2025, New Jersey has experienced nearly twice as many wildfires as usual.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Rosemary Oil Shampoo Add a few drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo and wash your hair as usual.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In other words, could the question at the outset of the novel be applied today to the United States—a bastion of democratic strength being ripped apart by an erratic tyrant? Years ago, in one of his lucid columns, Vargas Llosa described the election of Donald Trump as a form of national suicide.
    Ilan Stavans, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
  • For a woman who had made a reputation as a lucid, sharp chronicler of the reality of American lives, Didion struggled with the irrational thoughts that flooded her mind afterward.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But in many states, the Real ID rollout has been optional, with some choosing a standard license, which might require fewer documents or a lower fee.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In Birmingham, where Southern Living is based, not every Dollar General has the butter, but many have both two-stick packs and the standard four-stick packages in stock, as well as both unsalted and salted varieties.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • By early next week, meteorologists expect a warming trend with temperatures rising to seasonal norms, the weather service said.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Education experts say the growing number of uncertified teachers working in Texas schools could undermine efforts to improve student achievement, which continues to lag behind pre-pandemic norms.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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