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median

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word median distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of median are average, mean, and norm. While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," 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

When would average be a good substitute for median?

The meanings of average and median largely overlap; however, 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 median?

The words mean and median can be used in similar contexts, but 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°

When might norm be a better fit than median?

In some situations, the words norm and median 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 median
Adjective
While the $174,000 annual pay likely doesn't sound too shabby to those living in a country where the median individual wage comes to just over $59,000 a year, members of Congress are earning wages that were set in 2009. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that financial activities rank among the highest-paying industries for Black women, with median weekly earnings of $1,327. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
By the numbers: The measure would build housing for people making less than 80% of the area median income (AMI), and homebuyer assistance programs for those earning less than 120% of AMI. Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024 In 2023, the median was $150 per month and the average was $234. Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for median 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for median
Adjective
  • An average adult is between 5 feet and 6 feet 6 inches tall(1.5 to 2 meters), and kids are smaller.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024
  • The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. edged lower this week, ending a six-week climb.
    Alex Veiga, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected for the lower and middle Florida Keys.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Tropical storm conditions are expected in the lower and middle Florida Keys by Wednesday night as the storm passes by.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The feeling of being utterly overwhelmed appears to be the new normal for leaders around the world.
    Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
  • Late Friday evening, or possibly overnight into Saturday, another cold front will send temperatures back to mid-October normals.
    Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Week nine marks the halfway point of the regular season (though, of course, the postseason will run well into next February).
    BYChris Morris, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2024
  • With Close to $5K in Bonuses The halfway point of the NFL season is full of great matchups and money-making opportunities for bettors.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Theoretical starting center Kristaps Porzingis is still recovering from offseason surgery after tearing his medial retinaculum in his left leg during Game 2 of the NBA Finals, an injury that will likely leave him on the shelf until at least December.
    Hunter Felt, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
  • Her focus is not on the representation of meaning but rather on the medial and material conditions of representation.
    Moritz Scheper, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Both gondolas will be in operation, providing access to beginner and intermediate terrain.
    John Meyer, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The federal lawsuit from Pennsylvania would go to an intermediate appeals court first, while the Michigan and North Carolina cases would be heard by state appellate and supreme courts before arriving at the nation's highest court.
    Catherine Cole, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Check out all the big, mid, and small city rankings at wallethub.com.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Expect temperatures in the 60s with mid to high clouds.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 18 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near median

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on median

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