normal 1 of 2

1
2
3

normal

2 of 2

noun

as in average
what is typical of a group, class, or series a temperature chart showing the normals and extremes for various regions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective normal differ from other similar words?

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

In what contexts can natural take the place of normal?

The meanings of natural and normal largely overlap; however, 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 regular a more appropriate choice than normal?

While in some cases nearly identical to normal, regular stresses conformity to a rule, standard, or pattern.

the club's regular monthly meeting

When might typical be a better fit than normal?

The words typical and normal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 normal
Adjective
The first clue will be to begin seeing normal trading ranges. Jj Kinahan, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 If your magnesium levels are normal or high, your kidneys will remove extra magnesium through your urine. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
This year’s small audience decline is pretty on par with other award shows recently, suggesting that these ceremonies might be settling into a new normal after all of them saw viewership tank in 2020. Katie Campione, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025 The new normal was still jarring despite over three weeks having passed since the trade. Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for normal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal
Adjective
  • It will be attended by dozens of religious and political leaders from around the world, including President Donald Trump, and thousands of ordinary worshipers.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Oliver is closer to ordinary than dominant on a game-by-game basis, while DeWayne Carter was a healthy scratch in the playoffs.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The unpredictability makes the U.S. seem less stable, less reliable, and a less safe place for their money, experts say.
    CBS News, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This independence is intended to allow the Fed to focus on its dual mandate: promoting maximum employment and maintaining stable prices.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a typical spring, apply the herbicide in early to mid-April.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025
  • This means the storm was no longer feeding off ocean waters, and did not have the structural characteristics of a typical hurricane anymore.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The suspension has an average of eight inches of travel and is adjustable front and rear.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • That season, the Boston Celtics led the NBA in 3-point attempts, hoisting an average of 26.3 per game.
    Christian Clark, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, the fires in New Jersey this week have been part of trend: So far in 2025, New Jersey has experienced nearly twice as many wildfires as usual.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Rosemary Oil Shampoo Add a few drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo and wash your hair as usual.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In other words, could the question at the outset of the novel be applied today to the United States—a bastion of democratic strength being ripped apart by an erratic tyrant? Years ago, in one of his lucid columns, Vargas Llosa described the election of Donald Trump as a form of national suicide.
    Ilan Stavans, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
  • For a woman who had made a reputation as a lucid, sharp chronicler of the reality of American lives, Didion struggled with the irrational thoughts that flooded her mind afterward.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But in many states, the Real ID rollout has been optional, with some choosing a standard license, which might require fewer documents or a lower fee.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • According to Moody, this is standard protocol, as the two pilots typically meet once inside the cockpit.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • By early next week, meteorologists expect a warming trend with temperatures rising to seasonal norms, the weather service said.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Education experts say the growing number of uncertified teachers working in Texas schools could undermine efforts to improve student achievement, which continues to lag behind pre-pandemic norms.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on normal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!