AVERAGE Synonyms: 203 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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°

Q: 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

Q: 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

average 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of average next

as in median

being about midway between extremes of amount or size since a Chihuahua seems as impractical as a Saint Bernard, let's get a dog of more average dimensions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in normal

being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events just an average day at the office

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in typical

having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind the company's marketing people want to interview average teenagers to see what kinds of clothes appeal to them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

average

2 of 3

noun

ˈa-v(ə-)rij

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

3 of 3

verb

as in to measure

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to equalize

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

These older buyers are also slightly wealthier, with a median household income of $108,800, up from 107,000 in 2022.

Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Real median household income under President Joe Biden's administration is down 0.7% from its high under Trump.

Gary Langer, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024

Definition of median

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Style

“Average.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/average. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 20 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of average

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noun

verb

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