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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 Father-son spat The elder Kwek has alleged that his son and other members of the board breached corporate governance rules by hastily appointing two new directors outside of the typical nomination process. Jason Ma, Fortune Asia, 3 Mar. 2025 In the bit that aired during Sunday’s ceremony, Sandler was seen wearing his typical loose-fitting attire of a hoodie and gym shorts and jokingly stormed out of the Dolby Theatre when O’Brien called him out about it. Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2025 The multi-dimensional tone is a bit more muted than her typical bright golden blonde, with new neutral undertones; Schwartz added a mix of highlights using Schwarzkopf Professional Vario Blond SuperPlus and lowlights with Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance. Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025 In typical fashion, the 2025 Oscars are set to be star-studded, as the Academy previously announced that the list of presenters will include Emilia Pérez star Selena Gomez, The Brutalist's Joe Alwyn, Nosferatu's Lily-Rose Depp and Willem Dafoe, and Gladiator II's Connie Nielsen. Elizabeth Leonard, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for typical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for typical
Adjective
  • Since my internal ultrasound had been normal just the day before, she wasn't concerned.
    Tracey Harrington McCoy, Parents, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Veterans Affairs benefits, including pensions and disability checks, would also continue as normal under a shutdown.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These human failings are characteristic of popes up to the modern day.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Charmingly, the leap indicator was actually displayed on the 48 month subdial, something highly characteristic of the 5516.
    Thomas Wojtowicz, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • During 2024, the average age of the global fleet rose almost a full 12 months, jumping to 13.4 years from 12.5 in 2023, based on our analysis.
    Oliver Wyman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • That basic annuity is calculated using years of service and the highest average pay during three consecutive years of service, so even employees who are eligible for the program could end up with a lower-than-expected benefit if they are pushed out.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, scientists may have discovered the potential source of that distinctive coloring, overturning a popular theory in the process.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The price history reflects the challenges of finding a buyer for such a distinctive property.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Teams can sign players to standard contracts at any time, but any player who has appeared in the NBA this season must have been waived by Monday to be playoff eligible with another team.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors.
    Sid Evans, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Taste a sampling of their distinct bottlings (the Pét-Nat is a personal favorite) or sign up for one of Johan Vineyard's calendar events, like Lambapalooza (May 10)—a kid-friendly program with farm manager, Nathan Wood that weaves together wine and the estate's resident baby sheep.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The choice of invisibility serves as a method of expression that is distilled from my unique experiences and distinct perspective on the world.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Since retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, don’t forget to apply SPF (as usual).
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Agencies that have already received funding approval or operate on a permanent funding basis would continue to operate as usual.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This is true in any organization and is undoubtedly true when selecting members of the administration of the most powerful nation in the world.
    Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 4 Mar. 2025
  • That’s true, however, what this risk assessment request by the governor does do is put the whole matter in Newsom’s hands, despite the resentencing hearing set for later in March.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Typical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/typical. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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