NORMAL Synonyms: 257 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

normal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnȯr-məl

Definition of normal next

as in ordinary

being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events that fateful day had begun just like any normal workday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stable

having full use of one's mind and control over one's actions if you run around screaming like that, no one will think you are normal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in typical

having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind she has normal reading abilities for a child her age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

normal

2 of 2

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

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 normal

Adjective

In the days since the streets of Seoul have been busy with commuter traffic, there was little extra security presence on the ground, businesses and restaurants were open, and the country was functioning as normal. —

Helen Regan, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024 Therapists say these reactions are normal and to be expected. —

Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 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 See all Example Sentences for normal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal

Adjective

Smith said this year’s fire season is gearing up to be slightly longer than usual but is not particularly out of the ordinary.

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Bénédictine brings a lovely honeyed spice, which folds beautifully into rye (see: the Monte Carlo) and is well-accented by absinthe (see: the Chrysanthemum), but taken in such quantities would be out of the ordinary indeed.

Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2024