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regular

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective regular differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of regular are natural, normal, and typical. While all these words mean "being of the sort or kind that is expected as usual, ordinary, or average," regular stresses conformity to a rule, standard, or pattern.

the club's regular monthly meeting

In what contexts can natural take the place of regular?

The words natural and regular are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 it sensible to use normal instead of regular?

While in some cases nearly identical to regular, 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

When would typical be a good substitute for regular?

The synonyms typical and regular are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 regular
Adjective
If Cal’s athletic department were a regular taxpayer instead of a university brand, the repo truck would’ve shown up a long time ago. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026 While you may be tempted to keep wearing your favorite undies, regular underwear can stretch out or seams dig into your skin as your pregnancy progresses. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
Some diners, including local regulars, even offered to purchase mops and sandbags. Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026 Season 3 of the show introduces its highest-profile new cast to date, with three new series regulars who have led their own shows, David Lyons, Jennifer Morrison and Stephen Moyer. Peter White, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for regular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regular
Adjective
  • The walls are decked out with perceptive studies of the Mustang landscape by the American painter Robert Powell, a frequent visitor to the region, and by drapes and banners referencing the colorful cloud curlicues of Thangka scrolls.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
  • My biggest advice as a frequent traveler?
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But the statement had an air of accelerationism, positing an upside to the systematic sidelining of music in the modern attention wars.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The systematic process of forcing Indigenous peoples from their homes, spearheaded by the War Department’s troubled Office of Indian Affairs, was now in full swing, and Florida, with citizenry from the Deep South, was eager to join the Union as a slave state.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The service Service here strikes that elusive balance between formal and familiar—the staff embodying Japanese omotenashi (hospitality) while operating with polished international flair.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Look for Credentials That Signal Real Retirement Expertise Designations such as CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or RICP (Retirement Income Certified Professional) indicate formal training in financial and retirement planning.
    Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Olive oil is also used to dress simple salads, roasted vegetables, and a host of other dishes.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Others have argued that the game represents a simple life that is becoming harder to obtain.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Above normal precipitation chances are also expected to continue into the second week of the month, according to the Climate Prediction Center.
    Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026
  • While some initial tingling is normal, rest assured that aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E soothe and add moisture back into the skin—great news for those whose skin errs on the drier side.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Afghanistan said eight of its soldiers had been killed in Friday’s attack.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • That move came hours before Cuba's government announced that its soldiers killed four people aboard a speedboat registered in Florida that had opened fire on officers in Cuban waters.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Cats make wonderful friends and, for the witchy folks among us, maybe even familiars.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025
  • The cast also includes franchise familiars Courteney Cox, Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That cycle has led him to periodic bouts of burnout.
    Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The fire caused periodic lane closures due to smoke and poor visibility on the stretch of Interstate 75 known as Alligator Alley.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Regular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regular. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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