average 1 of 3

1
2
3

average

2 of 3

noun

as in norm
what is typical of a group, class, or series my cat's a cut above the average when it comes to being a finicky eater

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

average

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word average distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of average are mean, median, and norm. While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," average is the quotient obtained by dividing the sum total of a set of figures by the number of figures.

scored an average of 85 on tests

When can mean be used instead of average?

The words mean and average are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean may be the simple average or it may represent value midway between two extremes.

a high of 70° and a low of 50° give a mean of 60°

In what contexts can median take the place of average?

While the synonyms median and average are close in meaning, median applies to the value that represents the point at which there are as many instances above as there are below.

average of a group of persons earning 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 dollars an hour is 6 dollars, whereas the median is 5 dollars

Where would norm be a reasonable alternative to average?

In some situations, the words norm and average are roughly equivalent. However, norm means the average of performance of a significantly large group, class, or grade.

scores about the norm for fifth grade arithmetic

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 average
Adjective
Sophomore Grady Buettner averaged seven yards a carry in 2024 and figures to get more rushing work this season. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 Aug. 2025 After two games, senior Lenny Ibarra has a team-high 23 tackles, has rushed for two touchdowns, has kicked two field goals and is averaging 43 yards a punt. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
On average, the United States reported 13.9 gun deaths per 100,000 people in 2023, according to the center. Kate Linderman, Idaho Statesman, 14 Aug. 2025 The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reported that average home premiums declined by 0.7 percent statewide in the fourth quarter of 2024, the first drop in nearly a decade. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
The yards-per-carry average ballooned to 4.4 yards per attempt, and Miami produced 35 sacks last season. Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2025 Those departments’ revenues have climbed an average of 212.4 percent between 2005 and ’23, but their expenses jumped 210.8 percent over the same time frame. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for average
Recent Examples of Synonyms for average
Adjective
  • The report draws on state-level estimates of life expectancy at age 65 (around 18 years, on average), average retirement benefits, median net worth and expected retirement expenses.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Financial institutions’ reported costs to provide banking data access ranged from $2 million to $47 million a year, with a median cost of $21 million.
    Jeff Kauflin, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • What once felt like science fiction is soon going to become totally normal.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Although that may be the new normal, before your next major tech or AI decision, take a deliberate step back.
    Jason James, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • On a typical weekday, only two of them are occupied, though when the campus is crowded for, say, a football game day, they can all be staffed simultaneously.
    John Wisely, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • As for the project’s quick turnaround amid her ongoing Short n’ Sweet Tour, Carpenter simply chose to follow her creative instincts while ignoring typical music industry guidance to space out albums with at least a few years.
    Chris Malone Méndez, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Cultural Relevance: Language models and content-generating systems can reflect local languages, norms and values, avoiding digital colonialism.
    Alex Adamopoulos, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Decrease norms that support and encourage behaviors.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • While the opportunity for VMware migration revenue is massive, Nutanix executives acknowledge the timeline will be measured in years, not quarters.
    Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units, compiled by Luminate.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In stoppage time, veteran winger Ángel Di María converted a penalty after a Chelsea handball in the box, equalizing the match at 1-1 and shocking the crowd.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
  • The reigning Euro champs took down Sweden in PKs in the quarterfinals after trailing 2-0 for 75-plus minutes before equalizing with goals in the 79th and 81st.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • The big names brought national attention to the theft ring, but other targets slipped by the news media, just as an ordinary burglary might.
    Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 25 Aug. 2025
  • The result: bright spaces designed to uplift students in moments as ordinary as going to the bathroom.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Choose from 20 colors, plus sizes 5–13 with half sizes and narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide widths.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • For others, the standard medicines just don’t work well.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Average.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/average. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on average

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!