normal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce normal (audio)
Definition of normalnext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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

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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
As customs go, a nationwide suspension of normal activity is unusual. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Authorities have already shut down one reactor unit at the Cernavoda plant, which is operating at about half its normal capacity. — Justin Spike, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
Then, before the listener can fully settle in, the Puerto Rican rapper and singer fires off bars claiming that Grammys were stolen from him and details his many nights spent sleeping on the floor to his new normal of earning $500,000 per show. — Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026 Most likely, the new normal in the Persian Gulf will be chronic instability and frequent disruptions in shipping. — Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for normal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for normal
  1. ordinary
  2. stable
  3. typical
  4. average
  5. usual
  6. lucid
  7. standard
  8. norm
Adjective
  • Bhagawat Dulal, a Soccer for Success coach who now also translates for detainees, said even ordinary life has started to feel dangerous.
    — Maansi Srivastava, NPR, 21 July 2026
  • Even the ordinary act of scrolling in bed can throw the system off.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
Definition of ordinary
Adjective
  • Irish boxer Lee Reeves is in a critical but stable condition in hospital after his defeat via knockout in Dublin on Saturday, a Queensberry Promotions spokesperson has confirmed.
    — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The woman was transported to the hospital and remains in stable condition.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • That 1982 campaign was typical of the misfortune that plagued Keegan’s international career.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Cases of cyclosporiasis are known to rise during spring and summer months in the US, with a typical season running from the start of May through the end of August, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of typical
Noun
  • Idaho routinely ranks among the safest states in the nation, with violent and property crimes rates far below national averages.
    — Sarah Linn July 22, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026
  • That is well below the historical average of 40%, according to the personal finance website.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of average
Adjective
  • Malnati will have to hold off a field that is stronger than usual in Detroit.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Lincoln City Manager Sean Scully joked about the unusual scene when asked by The Sacramento Bee why council members and staff had traded their usual attire for Western wear.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • The songs are lucid and explicit, delivered with the gravitas of someone whose world has just changed forever.
    — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • With all of this plot packed into the narrative, and much more, Nolan does a reasonably good job of keeping things lucid.
    — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026
Definition of lucid
Adjective
  • The microreactor breaks down into standard shipping modules that travel by road and assemble directly on site.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
  • Its integrated unibody clip attaches to laptops, monitors or standard tripods and it can be used in landscape, portrait and even upside-down orientations.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of standard
Noun
  • The world faces unprecedented chaos, from Middle East conflict and a new nuclear arms race to AI weapons and economic disruptions, exacerbated by a decline in respect for international norms.
    — William Hartung, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The fact that opposing hitters’ pull-air percentage — the most likely batted balls to result in home runs — against Kremer is up 12 percent over his career norm this year also strikes me as more small-sample noise.
    — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of norm

Browse Nearby Words

norm
normal
normalcy
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Cite this Entry

“Normal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/normal. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on normal

Nglish: Translation of normal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about normal

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