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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
  • Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: Caused by gene mutations, this is a rare condition that develops when fatty or scarred tissue replaces normal tissue in part of the heart, leading to irregular heartbeat.
    Elizabeth Millard, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Thousands of dockworkers from Maine to Texas launched a strike in October over wages and the use of automation, shutting down seaports along the East Coast and disrupting normal trade.
    Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 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
  • Most cloud providers, after all, offer more space than the average user knows what to do with.
    Justin Pot, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • The photos demonstrate how the durable utility fabric became a standard uniform and how brands like Levi’s, Lee, OshKosh and Carhartt commercialized the timeless style.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The standard deduction will rise to $15,000, up $400 from this year, the IRS said.
    Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • These two paradigms have largely existed in isolation, driven by the distinct needs of their respective markets.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
  • In these realms, Archaea—microorganisms similar to, but evolutionarily distinct from, bacteria—thrive.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 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
  • Just Saturday against the New Jersey Devils, that seemed true in a loss.
    Scott Powers, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Worse still, the falsehood was a double-down of the AI insisting that the remark was true.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 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

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