MEAN Synonyms: 803 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'mean' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mean are average , median , and norm . While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," 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°

Q: In what contexts can 'average' take the place of 'mean'?

Although the words average and mean have much in common, 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

Q: When could 'median' be used to replace 'mean'?

While the synonyms median and mean 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'norm' instead of 'mean'?

The words norm and mean can be used in similar contexts, but norm means the average of performance of a significantly large group, class, or grade. // scores about the norm for fifth grade arithmetic

mean 1 of 4

verb

ˈmēn

Definition of mean next

as in to signify

to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind the national anthem means various things to various people

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Relevance

as in to matter

to be of importance your presence at my graduation would mean a lot to me

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as in to intend

to have in mind as a purpose or goal I mean to win this race

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as in to indicate

to serve as a sign or symptom of these colder nights mean autumn has truly arrived

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mean

2 of 4

noun

ˈmēn

as in middle

a middle point between extremes that candidate's moderate views were seen as the mean that voters were looking for

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as in doing

means plural an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result won the competition by fair and honest means

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as in ministry

means plural something used to achieve an end the ends don't justify the means

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as in worth

means plural the total of one's money and property a woman of considerable means

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mean

3 of 4

adjective (1)

ˈmēn

as in average

being about midway between extremes of amount or size for the state of Florida, what is the mean number of sunny days per month?

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mean

4 of 4

adjective (2)

ˈmēn

as in low

belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank Alexander Hamilton seems to have had feelings of inferiority because of his mean origins

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as in careful

giving or sharing as little as possible a mean child who hoarded all her toys

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as in cruel

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it a mean, embittered old woman who wanted company for her misery

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as in dirty

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency a mean trick to play on a trusting person

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as in inferior

of little or less value or merit it's no mean feat to memorize that long poem

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as in awesome

of the very best kind I'm a mean dancer, so you could do worse than go to the prom with me

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as in dilapidated

showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect he worked hard to escape the mean neighborhood of his youth

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as in lame

arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust that was no mean stunt to pull off, especially with so little advance preparation

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word mean distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mean are average, median, and norm. While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," 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 average take the place of mean?

Although the words average and mean have much in common, 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 could median be used to replace mean?

While the synonyms median and mean 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

When is it sensible to use norm instead of mean?

The words norm and mean can be used in similar contexts, but 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 mean

Verb

An illustrious modeling career means Elsesser is often jet-setting the globe, and as a result, her time at home has become her vacation time. —

Fanny Guénon Des Mesnards, Architectural Digest, 1 Feb. 2025 With a nudge first from Nell and then more forcefully from Herb, that means acknowledging his attraction to the shopkeeper Amanda, and maybe even acting on it. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025

Noun

For example, wasting less food means conserving the energy used in every step of the supply chain, from fertilizer production to transportation. —

Felicia Jackson, Forbes, 31 Jan. 2025 Rather than trying to fill his emotional needs via external means, the real mission in his trip through OBEX is regaining interest in the game of life. —

Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Also, as of May 2023, workers in the San Antonio area had a mean hourly wage of $27.74, lower than the national average of $31.48, per the latest data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. —

Kelly Tyko, Axios, 24 Jan. 2025 Dear Abby: My husband of 58 years is an alcoholic, but not a mean one. —

Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mean

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mean

Verb

The ending hour signifies when the areas should be cleared of all participants as runners make their way to the finish line in downtown Miami.

— Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
The startup’s blend of innovation and cost efficiency underscores a transformative period for the industry, signifying a shift in the balance of power in AI technology.

— Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025