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Definition of normalnext
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normal

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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

Example 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
Breaking normal current flow The transistor also behaves differently from conventional semiconductor devices. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 June 2026 These tiny devices use electrical currents to correct issues with a person’s heart rate and get them back to normal, helping to prevent heart failure. Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026
Noun
This has become the new normal for middle-income families, and even higher-income Americans are starting to fall behind on their bills. Dr. Erika Rasure, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2026 With snowfall 60% below normal for the season through February in its home state of Colorado and low in neighboring Utah, Vail has seen skiers and snowboarders stay away in droves. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for normal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal
Adjective
  • Trump has effectively cast journalists as a separate special-interest group—apart from ordinary American citizens.
    Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
  • For ordinary consumer debts, a debt collector almost always needs a court judgment before garnishing anything.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • These advanced technologies ensure the router maintains a high data throughput and more stable performance, even when in a congested network.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • An outcome would be more stable and adaptable behavior of the rover in granular environments.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • The piña colada at the beachside bar and grill Coccoloba is a standout, but the real surprise lies in the creative drinks beyond the typical beachside cocktails.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The lightweight fabric and billowy, tiered silhouette of this dress keep it comfortable on summer days, and the square neckline gives you a little more coverage than a typical slip dress.
    Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Such plants are predominantly located in communities of color, with an average of 77% of the residents within a mile identifying as such, according to census data.
    Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • The second-best team in the WNBA at hanging onto the ball, Chicago committed 18 turnovers, eight more than its average.
    Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Green Bay has to hope the NFL shows its usual apathy and Jacobs gets off before ending up in Kansas City.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
  • Despite throwing his four-seam fastball 1 mph faster than usual, the pitch resulted in a strike 76% of the time.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Broken down into five lucid chapters, the letter argues against a robotic future, and for a socially just one.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
  • After the disturbing death of Reverend Bryce at the end of last week’s episode of Widow’s Bay, Tom, Wyck, and Patricia search his office for clues that might explain why this seemingly lucid man of the cloth suddenly hung himself.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • In a matter of months, unmanned vehicles have gone from rare frontline curiosities to standard issue.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • What sets a skillcation apart from a standard tour is the depth of the experience.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • When a 22-year-old financial analyst can’t watch how a senior colleague handles a difficult client call, can’t absorb the unspoken norms of a trading floor, can’t get pulled into a hallway conversation that becomes a career-defining project — the value of hiring them drops.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 May 2026
  • Cognitive surrender is not yet the organizational norm.
    Chris Rosenberg, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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