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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective typical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of typical are natural, normal, and regular. While all these words mean "being of the sort or kind that is expected as usual, ordinary, or average," typical implies showing all important traits of a type, class, or group and may suggest lack of strong individuality.

a typical small town

When is it sensible to use natural instead of typical?

While in some cases nearly identical to typical, 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 can normal be used instead of typical?

The words normal and typical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When would regular be a good substitute for typical?

The words regular and typical can be used in similar contexts, but regular stresses conformity to a rule, standard, or pattern.

the club's regular monthly meeting

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 typical The remotes support three speed levels: Cine for slower shots, Normal for typical use, and Sport for high-speed performance. PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025 Now that a new year has arrived — bringing with it a return to regular routines and the typical flurry of resolutions — many may be eager to look and feel healthier. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 2 Jan. 2025 The Sporty Zip-Up A zipped sportswear jacket can add a bit of dimension to your typical fashion look. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2025 Popular on Variety But what elevates it from a typical procedural, in Henry’s eyes, is the focus on the relationships between Kat and her friends, family and colleagues, including her boss Ellis Stagger (Richard Armitage, marking his fourth Coben adaptation). K.j. Yossman, Variety, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for typical 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for typical
Adjective
  • The morning low temperatures may drop below freezing as far south as Houston, New Orleans and Tallahassee, Fla., on Monday and Tuesday mornings — between 20 and 30 degrees below normal for this time of year, Taylor said.
    Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Meanwhile, temperatures in swaths of the US are expected to drop this weekend and could be almost 30 degrees below normal by Monday for millions.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Jefferson’s thinking and behavior is characteristic of U.S. slaveholders prior to the Civil War.
    Monti Datta, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Featuring a swirl of pastels, the piece was characteristic of the artist, who is known for colorful, frenetic works that appear abstract but reveal distinct and often explicit figures, when observed closely.
    Maggie Lange, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • By holding out, perhaps the Red Sox could get Bregman on a shorter contract with opt-outs and a high average annual value.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
  • To the average person, appreciating the elements that crowned Super Mario 64 a groundbreaking game back in 1996 requires at least some wandering around its world.
    Patricia Hernandez, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The region's diverse geology and dry climate contribute significantly to its wines’ distinctive characteristics.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Tuxedo cats, like Milo, are not a specific breed but rather felines with a distinctive black-and-white coat pattern resembling formal wear.
    Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • No specialized charging infrastructure is required, as the battery can be recharged overnight using standard 110 V outlets.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The standard deduction: The 2017 tax overhaul nearly doubled the standard deduction.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Very bold colors—a long, bright orange hallway—and wacky costumes like Harvey’s floral suits, to give the film a strident, distinct look and feel.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The movements Obama and Trump inspired were quite distinct.
    Ron Elving, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Forecasts for two of the three upcoming winter storms are tricky and more uncertain than usual.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Across from them in their usual stalls stood the eight neighing horses.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This is especially true for the controversial subject of spanking.
    Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 15 Jan. 2025
  • By staying true to her own experiences, her music naturally encourages others to embrace courage, authenticity, and a childlike sense of wonder—an organic process that defines the heart of her artistic contribution.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near typical

Cite this Entry

“Typical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/typical. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on typical

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