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average

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noun

as in norm
what is typical of a group, class, or series my cat's a cut above the average when it comes to being a finicky eater

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

average

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word average distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of average are mean, median, and norm. While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," average is the quotient obtained by dividing the sum total of a set of figures by the number of figures.

scored an average of 85 on tests

When can mean be used instead of average?

The words mean and average are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean may be the simple average or it may represent value midway between two extremes.

a high of 70° and a low of 50° give a mean of 60°

In what contexts can median take the place of average?

While the synonyms median and average are close in meaning, median applies to the value that represents the point at which there are as many instances above as there are below.

average of a group of persons earning 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 dollars an hour is 6 dollars, whereas the median is 5 dollars

Where would norm be a reasonable alternative to average?

In some situations, the words norm and average are roughly equivalent. However, norm means the average of performance of a significantly large group, class, or grade.

scores about the norm for fifth grade arithmetic

Examples 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 average
Adjective
While the camera quality is average, the phone excels in ease of use and unique productivity features. Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 11 Nov. 2024 Their offensive average exit speed of 89.6 mph tied for MLB’s best - and their 87.3 mph average exit speed allowed stood alone at #1. Tony Blengino, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
The value of the pension benefit is determined based on when a lawmakers was elected to office, time served and the average of the three years of their highest salary, noted NTUF, an affiliate of the National Taxpayers Union. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 According to the Harmony Healthcare IT survey cited above, Gen-X averages 4 hours and 9 minutes daily using their smartphones. Boris Abaev, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
The annual returns of the fund since its inception in 2001 have averaged 10.1%, outperforming its reference or benchmark portfolio (8.7%) over the same period. Rana Wehbe Watson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Since 1972, outgoing members have averaged a 12-month gain of nearly 17.5%, while new members have averaged a 10% gain in their first year. Sarah Min, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for average 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for average
Adjective
  • In 2012, the median residential property value in Sunnyside was $208,300, the Denver Department of Finance reported.
    Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
  • With a population of 9,000 residents, the city of Tuskegee has a median household income of $32,000.
    Marquise Francis, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This gives you up to a $10 discount each month for two years (expires Dec. 2), where new members can receive either $5 off per month for the normal rate of the Visible plan or $10 off per month for the Visible+ plan during the first 24 months of service.
    Molly Higgins, WIRED, 23 Nov. 2024
  • More goods are expected to be imported into the US than normal for the remainder of this year as retailers face a potential resumption of the East Coast port strike, as well as tariff increases, the National Retail Federation said earlier this month.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Aside from the fight being eight two-minute rounds, both the men will wear heavier 14-ounce gloves instead of the typical 10-ounce gloves.
    Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The guidelines vary by region, according to the typical climate each region has.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The movement caused a seismic shift in cultural norms, especially in fashion, for decades.
    Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Sourcing Journal, 4 Nov. 2024
  • During the Trump presidency, this media consumption divide became a chasm as national news organizations sought to scrutinize his administration and its backsliding on democratic norms.
    Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • To measure their widths, the team used a scanning electron microscope.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Success is impossible to measure without clear goals.
    Andrea Ruskin, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • But hospitals have long fought off any attempts to equalize payment rates, arguing such a move would hurt rural providers and those that rely on a high proportion of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.
    Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024
  • In my opinion, this act will be another opportunity to equalize the status of men and women.
    Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The company is not a party to any material legal proceedings outside the ordinary course of business.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • One ordinary morning, coming home from walking her dog, Lenù finds in her mailbox a package wrapped with newspaper.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Paul and Tyson will fight in eight two-minute rounds rather than the standard 10-12 rounds at three minutes each.
    Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Students are able to return to their dorms and campus dining will resume standard operations starting at 4:30 p.m.
    Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near average

Cite this Entry

“Average.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/average. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

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