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
The strong El Niño of winter 2023-24 saw well above average rainfall across coastal Southern California and slightly above-normal precipitation in coastal Northern California, the state Department of Conservation said. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 The daughter of an International Yo-Yo Champion and a Professional Foosball player, Cook jokes that this gave her zero chance of having a normal career one day. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 July 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, 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 See All Example Sentences for normal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal
Adjective
  • Bhagawat Dulal, a Soccer for Success coach who now also translates for detainees, said even ordinary life has started to feel dangerous.
    Maansi Srivastava, NPR, 21 July 2026
  • Even the ordinary act of scrolling in bed can throw the system off.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Authorities said one of 10 survivors was discharged from the hospital while the other nine were in stable condition.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • There’s also a beach, a floating water park, a horse stable, and a 27-hole, 81-par disc golf course that hosts the annual New Mexico Disc Golf Championships.
    Allison Savage Bates, Denver Post, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • That 1982 campaign was typical of the misfortune that plagued Keegan’s international career.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Cases of cyclosporiasis are known to rise during spring and summer months in the US, with a typical season running from the start of May through the end of August, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Idaho routinely ranks among the safest states in the nation, with violent and property crimes rates far below national averages.
    Sarah Linn July 22, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026
  • That is well below the historical average of 40%, according to the personal finance website.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The 2026 edition of IFFM will present its usual slate of films, conversations and cultural programming spanning Indian cinema’s various languages and regional traditions.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • But again, since Christopher Nolan’s films don’t follow the streaming release strategy that most other Universal films do, Peacock subscribers are in for a longer wait than usual before the film makes its SVOD on the platform.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • And there was the part of her that was more lucid, drawing her back to the entrance of the maze, trying to piece together the message that was being transmitted.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • But someone was lucid enough to tie the knot that secured her to the mountain.
    William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Also carried over from the GT-2000 14 is PureGel heel cushioning, which is touted as 65 percent softer than Asics’ standard Gel technology.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
  • Touchscreen displays are standard for smartphones and tablets, but many computer manufacturers have started incorporating them into their laptop designs.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • The last tumultuous decade of grievance and attacks on our democratic norms should have taught us to adopt the wisdom of Maya Angelou.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
  • Western analysts have raised concerns that Beijing’s expanding role setting global norms around AI will enable it to export the norms of its own highly restrictive media and internet environment.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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