Definition of typicalnext
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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 The process allows for tax, spending and debt limit bills to be expedited by side-stepping typical congressional hold-ups. Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026 High-vamp heels and flats stormed both runways and city streets, concealing more of the foot than your typical pump or ballet flat. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026 That section is the typical landing spot for officers who are awaiting disciplinary action. Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026 In the early afternoon of a cool January day in 1976, someone who might have been one of those typical customers strolled into Dadeland’s Lane Bryant store. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for typical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for typical
Adjective
  • In Italy and Switzerland, the avalanche death tolls are also much higher than normal.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • On the one hand, far more blooms than normal graced the desert all winter long.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But despite his characteristic command and media savvy, Jackson’s campaign never gained true momentum, scoring mixed results.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Critically blasted but massively popular with audiences, this dream project is the height of kitsch, somehow made palatable by Richard’s characteristic earnestness.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Today, the average time to get a container from a ship to a train is just under four days.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The agency said the man is approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10 tall with an average build.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Often dwarfed by architecture, their distinctive bodies in space are more important than the sparse dialogue that only serves to fill in crucial gaps in storytelling.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Kayne, known for his sharp wit and poignant observations, brings his distinctive brand of humor to the SXSW stage with an engaging 40-minute session offering an intimate look into the world of stand-up comedy, combining live performance with candid conversation.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Of course, standard service like checking you in, unpacking your luggage, and arranging your room and amenities to your liking is taken care of effortlessly.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • If Democrats get to carry out a referendum, voters will choose whether to temporarily adopt new congressional districts and then return to Virginia's standard process after the 2030 census.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The most widespread Games in history created distinct pockets of Olympic spirit separated by hours on trains and miles of winding mountain roads.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Held is in good company at Goldman Sachs, where former pros are muscling their distinct skill sets to succeed in new careers.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • As usual, Tkachuk was an effective agitator of and a menace to opponents in ways that don’t show up in the limited stats that Olympic hockey tracks.
    Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Burberry, after all, closes the fall 2026 season tomorrow with its usual celebs-in-trenches extravaganza.
    Alice Newbold, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Easy but exciting paths that felt like true tree lines to them.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Summing up the whole picture is impossible, and attempting to do it requires treading carefully, so as to maintain important boundaries between what is definitely true and what seems likely or merely speculative.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Typical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/typical. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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