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
And because the malicious software lives in the system partition, a normal uninstall won't remove the underlying infection. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Ningbo-Zhoushan yard density had returned to normal after Golden Week, the same Seko update said, although waits still ran one-and-a-half to three days across its terminals. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 23 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
  • However, the record does not establish that the configuration is suitable for ordinary motorcycle use on water or for routine amphibious transportation.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Behind the camera, Avani Rai shot about 130 people comprising ordinary Indians, dancers, models, and artisans, as well as her mother and actor Ranveer Singh against the streets of Old Delhi and its flower market and crowded alleyways.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Taiwan remains the most explosive issue in the relationship—and its very danger is what creates the mutual incentive to keep it stable.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The suspect was listed in stable condition at the hospital, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • However, the test took place entirely on urban roads in mild weather, conditions that favour EV efficiency and do not reflect typical highway driving or winter use.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The One Block Down x Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble Lux features a full premium leather upper, replacing all of the typical Air Max 95 materials including its signature synthetic suede and mesh.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That's more than 10 degrees above average for the end of October, although humidity should remain comfortable.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Temperatures will cool slightly on Tuesday, reaching about 71 degrees in the metro, still above the 62-degree average for this time of year.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • So on Wednesday, after a full day of quiet, more people than usual were out on the streets in Kherson, enjoying the short glimpse of peaceful life, though many said the calm still felt unsettling.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
  • For example, because of their own home-buying timeline, a seller may need to close very quickly or may need more time than usual.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 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
  • The service cost will be bundled into standard utility billing, though customer participation in sorting recyclables remains voluntary.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Fixing the problem Flexible substrates have uneven surface roughness and varying hydroxyl-group densities, making standard large-area printing techniques ineffective.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In reality, 10-year yields have simply returned to historical norms, hovering just above their 100-year moving average.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Auburn’s trustees are asserting that their authority supersedes not only faculty expertise, but professional norms, disciplinary standards, and even accrediting bodies.
    — Beth Davis Sramek, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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