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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 Both were typical Freigang goals: arriving late in the box to turn home crosses from the right wing. Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025 The first look was an immediate favorite: a double-breasted black tuxedo-style jacket with a double satin label, gold buttons, and voluminous trousers, all typical for Sacai. Essence, 29 June 2025 Those terminated for unsatisfactory service or misconduct may receive half the typical separation payment. Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025 Martha Stewart is a longtime fan of the brand, often carrying one of these cases instead of a typical purse. Claire Harmeyer, People.com, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for typical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for typical
Adjective
  • Deloitte’s Global Resilience Report, based on surveys of over 2,000 CEOs and 6,000 executives, found that 62% view ongoing disruption as the new normal.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Representatives for OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fortune, made outside normal working hours.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • At present, Greenland’s population is expected to fall below 50,000 by 2050, mostly due to outward migration and the low birth rates characteristic of most Western countries.
    Morten Høi Jensen, The Dial, 19 June 2025
  • The capsule continues to foreground the use of regionally characteristic materials such as jade, cinnabar, porcelain, and Asian cultural symbols like 玄武 (the Black Tortoise) and 青龙 (the Azure Dragon).
    Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The ground in south Florida has been, on average, 81.8 per cent full during its six games hosted so far.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Consider that for the average university lab, the indirect costs alone—including office support, computing, compliance, instruments, space and administrative support—average $8 million annually, and that's a conservative estimate.
    Siamak Baharloo, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • There is very little on the menu that’s distinctive.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 25 June 2025
  • At the heart of this epic volume was renowned fashion designer Angela Dean, who crafted the distinctive gowns worn by the eight leading ladies on the cover: Halle Berry, Loretta Devine, Vivica A. Fox, Regina King, Michael Michele, Elise Neal, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith.
    Essence, Essence, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Historically, the use of scientific consensus as a method of understanding scientific postures has been relatively popular and construed as the standard way of doing things.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The day after his arrest, during a standard medical intake, Pérez was diagnosed with several health issues, ICE said.
    Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Born in South London, Gabriel Moses started directing at the age of 18, making commercial work for brands like Nike while also branching out into photography, where he’s developed a distinct palette, capturing Black artists with a visual sensibility rooted in introspection and compassion.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
  • Rasmussen’s strategy is to lean into the company’s distinct ethos—faith, service, and financial stewardship—as a competitive advantage rather than a liability.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Both are now visible to the naked eye to observers in the Southern Hemisphere and are currently shining millions of times brighter than usual.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • House Republicans were hit After the most contentious legislative session in DeSantis’ history, state lawmakers were bracing for the governor to use more ink than usual with the veto pen.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • That might sound dramatic, but in my work with leaders over the years (and in my own life), it’s proven absolutely true.
    Jill D. Griffin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Be open to what needs to be dismantled in order to build something stronger and more aligned with your true path in the future.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Typical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/typical. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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