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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective typical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of typical are natural, normal, and regular. While all these words mean "being of the sort or kind that is expected as usual, ordinary, or average," typical implies showing all important traits of a type, class, or group and may suggest lack of strong individuality.

a typical small town

When is it sensible to use natural instead of typical?

While in some cases nearly identical to typical, 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 can normal be used instead of typical?

The words normal and typical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 regular be a good substitute for typical?

The words regular and typical can be used in similar contexts, but regular stresses conformity to a rule, standard, or pattern.

the club's regular monthly meeting

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 typical Hudson and Dommek say non-Indigenous people assume all Indigenous Alaskans live in igloos and dress in furs, but that’s not typical of many, including the Iñupiat people. Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 4 Sep. 2025 Researchers at Kyushu University in Japan recently developed a new type of solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that successfully operated at 300℃ (500°F), a notable reduction from typical operating temperatures. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025 Instead of reupping orders every 14 to 29 days as is typical, the troops can plan on the extended stay. Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2025 This is just typical cat behavior, not a lack of understanding. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for typical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for typical
Adjective
  • His work at the clinic earned him the Highest Pro Bono Distinction at graduation, which was awarded for working more than 150 extra pro bono hours above the normal course requirements of the clinic.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • That is just 6% of normal rainfall for the month.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The unique pairings are based on everything from the candy's name and shape to their characteristic tastes and qualities.
    Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025
  • That’s the kind of characteristic that is played out throughout the film.
    Maelle Beauget-Uhl, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Basically, average lows are getting hotter both at night and in the early morning, a trend seen across the country and globe.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The planes are modern, with the average aircraft being less than seven years old.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • It is known to have a distinctive smell and a creamy, custardy texture.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Do a reverse image search of the pet's photo and search for a distinctive phrase in the description.
    Abreanna Blose, USA Today, 4 Sep. 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
  • Compared to your standard jeans (too casual) or black dress pants (too formal), the white jeans felt just right—existing somewhere between both worlds.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • China’s three distinct tech phases China’s tech success over the past 20 years was really achieved in three phases.
    Rich Karlgaard, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Do a separate soil test for each distinct area of your yard, such as existing or future vegetable gardens, flower beds, and lawns, because the lab recommendations will depend on the type of plants in that area.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While the Irish Open was snubbed from this latest National Open status upgrade wave, the golf-mad nation’s key event remains a highlight on the DP World Tour calendar, with venues that as usual stir a bit of wanderlust among golf travelers.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In Colorado, the aspens should offer good viewing from September through mid-October, though dry conditions may cause leaves to drop a bit earlier than usual, according to AccuWeather.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Redshirt junior Colton Boomer and true freshman Canaan Moore ach missed a field goal — Boomer from 46 yards and Moore from 24.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Red maple Red maple stays true to its name.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Typical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/typical. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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