MEAN Synonyms: 803 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'mean' distinct from other similar nouns?

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

Although the words average and mean have much in common, 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 could 'median' be used to replace 'mean'?

While the synonyms median and mean 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: When is it sensible to use 'norm' instead of 'mean'?

The words norm and mean can be used in similar contexts, but norm means the average of performance of a significantly large group, class, or grade. // scores about the norm for fifth grade arithmetic

mean 1 of 4

verb

ˈmēn

Definition of mean next

as in to signify

to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind the national anthem means various things to various people

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Relevance

as in to matter

to be of importance your presence at my graduation would mean a lot to me

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as in to intend

to have in mind as a purpose or goal I mean to win this race

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as in to indicate

to serve as a sign or symptom of these colder nights mean autumn has truly arrived

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mean

2 of 4

noun

ˈmēn

as in middle

a middle point between extremes that candidate's moderate views were seen as the mean that voters were looking for

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as in doing

means plural an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result won the competition by fair and honest means

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as in ministry

means plural something used to achieve an end the ends don't justify the means

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as in worth

means plural the total of one's money and property a woman of considerable means

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mean

3 of 4

adjective (1)

ˈmēn

as in average

being about midway between extremes of amount or size for the state of Florida, what is the mean number of sunny days per month?

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mean

4 of 4

adjective (2)

ˈmēn

as in low

belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank Alexander Hamilton seems to have had feelings of inferiority because of his mean origins

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as in careful

giving or sharing as little as possible a mean child who hoarded all her toys

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as in cruel

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it a mean, embittered old woman who wanted company for her misery

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as in dirty

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency a mean trick to play on a trusting person

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as in inferior

of little or less value or merit it's no mean feat to memorize that long poem

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as in awesome

of the very best kind I'm a mean dancer, so you could do worse than go to the prom with me

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as in dilapidated

showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect he worked hard to escape the mean neighborhood of his youth

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as in lame

arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust that was no mean stunt to pull off, especially with so little advance preparation

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word mean distinct from other similar nouns?

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

Although the words average and mean have much in common, 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 could median be used to replace mean?

While the synonyms median and mean 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

When is it sensible to use norm instead of mean?

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

Verb

As an executive from another team pointed out, the Chiefs are generally less convicted than the Ravens about running the ball, and less physical in their ground game, which could mean Buffalo's defense survived its toughest test of the playoffs Sunday night. —

Mike Sando, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 That means expanding its production of metals like nickel and copper, currently not major parts of the company’s output. —

Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 20 Jan. 2025

Noun

Hamm plays a hedge-fund manager who gets canned and resorts to criminal means to maintain his lifestyle. —

Joe Reid, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2025 The Trump’s administration discontinuation of CBP One on Monday has led to worries that maritime migration attempts will once more increase now that migrants have one less legal means to enter the country. —

David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025

Adjective

This trade setup is straightforward, utilizing just two technical signals to guide the trade: RSI (Relative Strength Index): RSI measures the strength of a trend and can also act as a mean reversion indicator. —

Nishant Pant, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025 The 10th pick and an extra second-rounder mean strong draft capital. —

Jacob Robinson, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mean

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mean

Verb

On-screen, Paimon is considered the god of Ellen's group, and in real life, the character has been written about for centuries, signified by the loopy symbol that shows up throughout the film, namely in Ellen's necklace.

— Erica Marrison, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
The growing number of Red and Orange List countries signifies a world becoming more divided and challenging to navigate, even for the most privileged travelers.

— Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025