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Definition of normalnext
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normal

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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
Under normal circumstances, that combination would fuel a broad rally. Benzinga, Freep.com, 14 Feb. 2026 While Royals catchers are getting a crash course on the ABS Challenge System, the pitchers are preparing as normal. Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
Perhaps this is the new normal for a luxury industry in flux, transformed by economic headwinds, a quickening innovation cycle, and a young generation of consumers disillusioned with the status quo. Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026 Temperatures will be close to climatological normals for mid-January, ranging from 58 degrees to 65 degrees. Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for normal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal
Adjective
  • Their goal with the video was to push back against the president’s domestic troop deployments, a trend his critics feared might lead to clashes with ordinary Americans or be used to interfere in upcoming elections.
    Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Nothing out of the ordinary there, admittedly.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The prosecution said a medical report noted Lai’s general health condition remained stable.
    Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Mohan highlighted that a favorable mix shift to higher capacity HDDs, stable pricing, and a focus on cost improvements could fuel gross margin above 50%, an operating margin of more than 40%, and EPS higher than $20.
    TipRanks, CNBC, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This is not your typical Aladdin’s Cave vintage shop, where rails are stacked on top of each other and garments fill every corner.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • However, the expert warned that focusing on combat performance could push robot development away from typical industrial or service uses, because fighting requires extreme, short bursts of high-impact movement rather than steady, practical operation.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Gem State’s generosity is supported by above-average volunteer rates and neighborliness, according to My Counselor.
    Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The rate is well below the national average of 93%.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images Amadou Onana’s usual whipping up of the crowd comes after every Aston Villa win.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Size-up to wear it as a layering piece, or stick with your usual size to wear it solo on milder days.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Their film casts a lucid, uncompromising, yet deeply necessary light on the spiral of violence.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Perhaps not lucid dreams, but elucidating ones.
    Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This composition would have made ancient tools harder and more durable than standard copper — a significant advantage for a drill bit that needed to bore through resistant materials.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Most notable is the addition of an interchangeable dual-lace wrap, which sweeps from the barely there midsole and finishes with a bow atop the standard shoelaces.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Trump’s disdain for international alliances and norms has also begun to reshape Europe in a way that may exacerbate Russia’s weakness.
    Alan Cullison, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
  • China denied the allegations, but experts are worried that the claims mark a further unraveling of a long-standing global norm against nuclear testing.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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