1
2

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

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 typical To some degree, the one-two punch of decisions was typical politics. Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 In a typical year, 4.35 inches falls during that time. Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025 The region added nearly 20,000 new apartments last year, about double the typical pace seen in recent years. Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2025 The tax crimes carried a maximum sentence of 17 years while the penalty for the gun crimes was capped at 25 years, although typical sentences are less and the judges didn't have to give Hunter Biden any jail or prison time. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for typical 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for typical
Adjective
  • Trump has now frozen swathes of federal grant and loan spending under a broad review of costs to tackle waste, though as normal for the time being.
    Shane Croucher, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
  • That night, Elizabeth had one last dose of slow-acting insulin, and the next morning her glucose levels were so normal that Jason Struhs became convinced God had intervened.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The immune system responds to these accumulations, sending macrophage white blood cells to engulf the cholesterol, which then turn into foam cells that aggregate in the skin, forming the yellowish plaques characteristic of xanthelasma.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The nose features the spice and herbal notes characteristic of rye whiskeys, with pine, mint, and eucalyptus notes followed by citrus zest, floral potpourri, and herbal aromas.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Over the next three years, salaries will increase 4%, 4.5% and 3.6%, respectively, which the district said is about average compared to other Chicago-area schools.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Temperatures in South Lake Tahoe will be below average, with the high likely staying below freezing and lows dropping to the teens to low 20s, according to the forecast.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • His distinctive dance moves quickly went viral— the dance looks like someone standing in place and pumping their arms back and forth, as if trying to dry their back with an invisible towel.
    Phil Harrell, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025
  • In some ways, because of their ability to secure bigger hits and Goosebumps’ multigenerational focus, the anthology series acts as a period piece and time capsule, sonically capturing two distinctive moments and their music trends.
    Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The driver of the Ford F-250 remained on scene and was cooperative throughout the investigation, including completing standard field sobriety tests, police said.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The Gem State imposes its standard sales tax on groceries of 6%.
    Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 27 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
  • Lately, 17-year-old Chewie's health has been deteriorating, which Ripa has been heartbreakingly honest about on the morning show, but on Tuesday, the dog seemed her usual perky self, Ripa said.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Chappell Roan This year’s category is, as usual, stacked with some questionable math on the definition of a new artist.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Even if for the sake of argument that were true, the policy response is not and never can be.
    The Editors, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
  • And if so, is that a price the WNBA is willing to pay to stay true to its values?
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near typical

Cite this Entry

“Typical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/typical. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on typical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!