Definition of normalnext
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normal

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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
Beyond was the last stretch to the summit, typically about a four-hour climb in normal conditions. — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 Once normal breathing resumes, parasympathetic influence increases, and the body relaxes big time. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
Temperatures are expected to be closer to seasonal normals, reaching highs in the 80s through the weekend and into early next week. — Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026 Our extended winter weather forecasts emphasize temperature and precipitation deviations from averages, or normals. — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for normal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal
Adjective
  • Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, and early withdrawals may face penalties unless they’re used for qualifying expenses such as education or a first home, so families should review the tax rules before deciding how to use the money.
    — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The filmmakers bill it as a film less about cracking a murder than about the ordinary days that come after a devastating loss.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The material allows water to enter the electrolyte layer, helping the electrode reach a stable measurement potential without lengthy pre-adjustment.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • That song is about the one thing in my life that feels stable.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Between 50 and 60 visitors will make the trek out there on a typical day, according to David Boyd, public information officer for the White River National Forest.
    — The Aspen Times, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The distillery expanded into wood finishing with the launch of Maker’s 46 in 2010, but this wasn’t your typical cask-finished whiskey.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Galderma said the transaction is expected to be slightly dilutive to its core EBITDA margin in 2027 and to achieve a margin broadly in line with its average from 2028 onward.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In addition, Bravo viewers on Peacock watch 92% more non-Bravo content than the platform user average — a key stat that underscores by NBCU kept Bravo in the fold while spinning off its other cable networks like CNBC and USA into Versant Media.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Sagittarius Moon opposes Uranus, making a public responsibility, schedule, or household plan less predictable than usual.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • This is Kerry’s usual spiel at the beginning of a season; historically, the bravado lets up over time.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Perfectly lucid, aware of the smell of Simple Green overtaken by perfumes, the talcum stink of baby powder.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But his memory, of a long career as a reporter around the globe, with turns as an essayist, a historian, a novelist, and a political activist, remains almost eerily lucid.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But a few months later, at her 18-month appointment, the standard graph that plotted a child’s weight against their age showed her weight slipping off the curve.
    — Raj Panjabi, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
  • For those traveling in standard class with Comfort tickets, there’s a Starbucks, Shot Neighbourhood Coffee, WHSmith and soon-to-open McDonald's, along with a vending machine selling affordable hot meals.
    — Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Her favorite period for collecting is the interwar one, between 1918 and 1939, when women began working, spending money, casting off beauty and fashion norms.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • These features lend his work an air of cruelty, making people seem like specimens in the hands of a researcher bound by no scientific ethics or norms.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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