AVERAGE Synonyms: 203 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'average' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of average are mean , median , and norm . While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," average is the quotient obtained by dividing the sum total of a set of figures by the number of figures. // scored an average of 85 on tests

Q: When can 'mean' be used instead of 'average'?

The words mean and average are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean may be the simple average or it may represent value midway between two extremes. // a high of 70° and a low of 50° give a mean of 60°

Q: In what contexts can 'median' take the place of 'average'?

While the synonyms median and average are close in meaning, median applies to the value that represents the point at which there are as many instances above as there are below. // average of a group of persons earning 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 dollars an hour is 6 dollars, whereas the median is 5 dollars

Q: Where would 'norm' be a reasonable alternative to 'average'?

In some situations, the words norm and average are roughly equivalent. However, norm means the average of performance of a significantly large group, class, or grade. // scores about the norm for fifth grade arithmetic

average 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of average

as in median

being about midway between extremes of amount or size since a Chihuahua seems as impractical as a Saint Bernard, let's get a dog of more average dimensions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in normal

being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events just an average day at the office

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in typical

having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind the company's marketing people want to interview average teenagers to see what kinds of clothes appeal to them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

average

2 of 3

noun

ˈa-v(ə-)rij

as in norm

what is typical of a group, class, or series my cat's a cut above the average when it comes to being a finicky eater

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

average

3 of 3

verb

as in to measure

Related Words

as in to equalize

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word average distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of average are mean, median, and norm. While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," average is the quotient obtained by dividing the sum total of a set of figures by the number of figures.

scored an average of 85 on tests

When can mean be used instead of average?

The words mean and average are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean may be the simple average or it may represent value midway between two extremes.

a high of 70° and a low of 50° give a mean of 60°

In what contexts can median take the place of average?

While the synonyms median and average are close in meaning, median applies to the value that represents the point at which there are as many instances above as there are below.

average of a group of persons earning 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 dollars an hour is 6 dollars, whereas the median is 5 dollars

Where would norm be a reasonable alternative to average?

In some situations, the words norm and average are roughly equivalent. However, norm means the average of performance of a significantly large group, class, or grade.

scores about the norm for fifth grade arithmetic

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 average

Adjective

The Eagles are a fairly average running defense, so Dallas could have a chance to get the ground game going. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 His ratings have been profitable 63% of the time, delivering an average return of 12%. — Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Noun

By 2019, two years into the takeover, 44% of third graders were approaching their grade level for reading, and 51% of them were doing the same for math, compared with the state averages of 78% on reading and 78% on math. — Daniel H. Robinson, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026 The Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File recorded 29 unprovoked bites in the country between 2012 and 2021, an average of about three a year. — Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Verb

Allen did become the first player in NFL history to average both 10 yards per rush and 10 yards per pass in a game with at least 10 attempts of both and extended a remarkable winning streak for Buffalo. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 The Vikings average more than 56 points per game behind quarterback Brody Brenneman and running back AJ Truedell. — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for average

Recent Examples of Synonyms for average

Adjective

Students are eligible if their household income is no more than 300% of their area’s median gross income.

— Lara Murray-Sterzel, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is limited to people who earn less than 60% of their state's median income.

— Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of median

Adjective

It's shot up from less than $97 at the start of the month on uncertainty about when the war with Iran will allow the global energy industry to return to normal.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Menopause is the normal part of a woman’s aging process that marks the end of her reproductive years.

— Lyndon Haviland, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of normal

Adjective

However, the test took place entirely on urban roads in mild weather, conditions that favour EV efficiency and do not reflect typical highway driving or winter use.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
The One Block Down x Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble Lux features a full premium leather upper, replacing all of the typical Air Max 95 materials including its signature synthetic suede and mesh.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of typical

Noun

In reality, 10-year yields have simply returned to historical norms, hovering just above their 100-year moving average.

— Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Auburn’s trustees are asserting that their authority supersedes not only faculty expertise, but professional norms, disciplinary standards, and even accrediting bodies.

— Beth Davis Sramek, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of norm

Verb

When a general purpose technology arrives, companies pour money into complementary intangible investments that national accounts do not measure.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Even some creators being paid to love their estrogen creams are fairly measured when reporting their results, which include less reactivity and more hydration.

— Ashley Abramson, Allure, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of measure

Adjective

However, the record does not establish that the configuration is suitable for ordinary motorcycle use on water or for routine amphibious transportation.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
Behind the camera, Avani Rai shot about 130 people comprising ordinary Indians, dancers, models, and artisans, as well as her mother and actor Ranveer Singh against the streets of Old Delhi and its flower market and crowded alleyways.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of ordinary

Adjective

The service cost will be bundled into standard utility billing, though customer participation in sorting recyclables remains voluntary.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Fixing the problem Flexible substrates have uneven surface roughness and varying hydroxyl-group densities, making standard large-area printing techniques ineffective.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of standard

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“Average.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/average. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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