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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 Among healthy people, listeria usually causes short-term symptoms typical of food poisoning, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 The Yankees did not offer a free suite, which is typical for the club, even for the biggest stars. Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 12 Dec. 2024 But Dana’s brother told her Danette hadn’t even been seen since her birthday, which wasn’t typical. Kyani Reid, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024 The palate is robust, bold, sweet, and spicy, typical of high rye mash bill whiskeys. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for typical 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for typical
Adjective
  • The city climbed to 40 degrees on Monday but will fail to get warmer than the teens on Friday – a full 10 degrees below normal.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Newsweek emailed a spokesperson for Paul for comment on Wednesday outside of normal business hours.
    Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The scene is a necessary conversation with Eugene’s characteristic mix of warmth and expertise, and Toya’s outspoken openness.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024
  • In 2024, the solstice falls on Dec. 21, marking the official beginning of winter and ushering in the season’s characteristic cold fronts and holiday traditions.
    Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Their average winning margin in their seven home wins thus far is 4.7 points.
    Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Delta Air Lines’ president told investors in November, for example, that the airline now sells more than 70% of its premium seating, with only 12% going to frequent flyer upgrades on average.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Police released several images of the shooter in which he can be seen wearing a dark-colored jacket with a hood over his head, a black facemask, black-and-white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Use handwritten envelopes or add festive elements, like wax seals or sparkling liners, for a refined and distinctive look.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The standard deduction will rise to $15,000, up $400 from this year, the IRS said.
    Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The standard procedure is to conduct emergency surgery to remove the egg to save the mother’s life.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • For this story to land, Silo 17 needed to feel distinct from Juliette’s home while belonging to the same basic world.
    Mark Blankenship, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024
  • But beneath the Persian cat’s undeniable popularity lies a tale of contrasts—one that splits the breed into two distinct varieties.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The 21 percent shooting was well off their usual 38 percent from the line.
    Martin Henderson, Orange County Register, 18 Dec. 2024
  • In these events, snowy owls can be seen much farther south than usual, throughout the lower 48 states.
    Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This philosophy ensures that the brand remains true to its core values while continuously exploring future development opportunities.
    Fairchild Studio, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Just Saturday against the New Jersey Devils, that seemed true in a loss.
    Scott Powers, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near typical

Cite this Entry

“Typical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/typical. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on typical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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