typical

adjective

ˈti-pi-kəl How to pronounce typical (audio)
Definition of typicalnext
1
as in normal
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind typical behavior for a two-year-old

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characteristic
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group when I asked what he had learned in school that day, he gave me the typical answer of teenagers: "I don't know"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Obtaining these documents is typical for individuals waiting years in the country for their asylum cases to resolve. —Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 10 Feb. 2026 The hot summer-like days that stretched from January into early February are pretty typical weather patterns for the winter in Southern California, according to forecasters with the weather service. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 An AirFish can complete the journey in 25 minutes, half the time of a typical ferry. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026 The round-toe shoes are the perfect hybrid of a traditional loafer and a typical ballet flat, which are my two favorite comfy shoe styles for spring. —Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for typical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for typical
  1. normal
  2. characteristic
  3. average
  4. distinctive
  5. standard
  6. distinct
  7. usual
  8. true
Adjective
  • At normal pool, anglers will find them at depths of 20-25 feet.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • What the files do seem to confirm, though, is the conspiracy theorist’s view of an elite stratosphere, where normal rules don’t apply, everyone knows each other, and ideological differences are subsumed to self-interested motives.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of normal
Adjective
  • Thousands of cycles generate histograms showing the characteristic conductance of individual molecules.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
  • As of winter 2026/27, the French line will have two ships based there, with explorer-class vessel Le Jacques Cartier joining M/S Paul Gaugin, a ship that was purpose-built to cruise the shallow lagoons so characteristic of the region.
    — Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of characteristic
Adjective
  • Observations of transits of Venus, which only occur twice per century, on average (most recently in 2012), were humanity’s first indication that Venus possessed — whereas Mercury lacked — a substantial atmosphere.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The average transaction price (ATP) on a new vehicle hit $50,000 for the first time ever last fall, according to Kelley Blue Book.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of average
Adjective
  • Seekers of Infinite Love balances big laughs with big feelings, and the cast delivers in a way that makes the film both distinctive and relatable.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Cort later reemerged as a distinctive supporting presence in film and television.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of distinctive
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
Definition of standard
Adjective
  • New research shows that people with obesity host a distinct oral microbiome compared to individuals at a healthy weight.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Here are 10 facts that make Presidents’ Day a distinct, and often misunderstood, national holiday.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of distinct
Adjective
  • Close added that Dugalic’s intense effort was in response to a couple of games during which Dugalic wasn’t playing to her usual standard.
    — Felicia Keller, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
  • On a chilly Austin morning, downtown buzzed with excitement earlier than usual for a Sunday.
    — Aaron E Martinez, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • That’s true, even though the odds of getting hurt during travel are generally higher when driving.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Exercises like Aron’s 36 questions are designed to reveal the most interesting, truest things about a person, and self‑ disclosure, trust building, and mutual appreciation accelerate closeness.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of true

Browse Nearby Words

typhoons
typical
typicality
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Cite this Entry

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

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