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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

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
Both halves of the weekend will have afternoon temperatures below normal. Rachael Jay, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026 Most romances begin with normal life and build to a happy ending. John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
And as the industry and Reiner’s family attempt to find a new normal in this sad new reality, details about the deaths are emerging that paint a clearer picture of what exactly happened. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 Mar. 2026 Afternoon temperatures will remain closer to climatological normals for early March, in the upper 60s and low 70s. Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for normal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal
Adjective
  • Lyrics pull ordinary moments—tired thoughts, routine weight—and lay them bare.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • And companies like Meta are moving quickly to expand what these devices can do, including identifying people and instantly pulling up information about them, potentially turning ordinary public encounters into data points for the companies that make the glasses.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The survivor is in stable condition.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • He was placed on detox monitoring, which was later discontinued after his condition appeared stable.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Safonov, who began his football career in Krasnodar’s academy aged 12, is not your typical footballer.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Performing new music at the Williamsburg, Brooklyn, bar’s long-running open mic is just a typical Sunday night for him and many other patrons.
    Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Sure, there are some legendary money managers who have outperformed the averages — over the long run.
    Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Stormwater captured in dams, reservoirs and spreading grounds figured out to be an amazing 185% of average for this time of year, the county reported.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Flick was aware of what lay in store for his team and asked them to play a more pragmatic game than usual.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • As the Moon moves through your 5th House of Creativity, your voice carries more impact than usual.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Crabapple is an artist and author known for lucid leftie takes, and her book takes on the thorny history of a vibrant intellectual tradition.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Its elegant, rounded boxes for column and row numbers and lucid formula-building bar are wonders to behold.
    Edward Mendelson, PC Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • His value is in treating him as a weapon, not forcing him into a standard off-ball template.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The only other non-Israeli citizen to be honored with an Israel Prize did not receive the standard one, but instead got a designation for non-citizens.
    Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The California Energy Commission told Fortune that jet fuel stocks remain adequate and within historic norms, although supplies are admittedly tight.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Different norms for different forms.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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