as in usually
according to the usual course of things
ordinarily, I get off work at five, but this week I'm working late to meet a project deadline
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Recent Examples of ordinarily
In addition to the disturbing images flowing out of Washington, of significant concern is that owners of bars and restaurants in what ordinarily is a thriving and youthfully active city are reporting significant declines in business.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
The social and academic boundaries that ordinarily define school life are charmingly porous at Refresh: teenagers ungrudgingly do crafts next to six-year-olds, and during recess some kids split off to help the adults with renovations at the main house.
—Chandler Fritz, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
That might be one reason Zak Starkey has blown up into such a cult hero for people who ordinarily don’t care a thing about lineup changes in classic rock bands.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2025
Without that flexibility, agencies would ordinarily spend months negotiating their own terms for use of the technology.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ordinarily
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
The social and academic boundaries that ordinarily define school life are charmingly porous at Refresh: teenagers ungrudgingly do crafts next to six-year-olds, and during recess some kids split off to help the adults with renovations at the main house.
—Chandler Fritz, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
That might be one reason Zak Starkey has blown up into such a cult hero for people who ordinarily don’t care a thing about lineup changes in classic rock bands.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2025
Without that flexibility, agencies would ordinarily spend months negotiating their own terms for use of the technology.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ordinarily
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinarily
Adverb
-
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is what most people think of as hay fever — allergy symptoms that flare up at certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer or fall, when pollen from trees, grasses or weeds is in the air.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
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To keep things running smoothly, remove the filter (usually found at the bottom of the dishwasher), rinse it under warm water, and use a soft brush to scrub away any buildup.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
-
An estimated 20,000 people normally attend the festival over three days, Scheider said.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Soldiers have also been spotted in parks carrying out tasks typically assigned to gardeners and landscapers – shoveling mulch, blowing leaves and scooping up trash.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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Demand for the grades 6-12 school, which typically sees over 90% of its graduates enroll in college, grew for the new facility, with a waitlist for admission as evidence, Principal Chelsea McWilliams told the Herald.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ordinarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordinarily. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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