You probably use the word “average” a lot, right? But let’s be real, it’s kind of a dull word. Want to make your writing or speech sound more interesting? I got you covered! In this post, we’re diving into 16 awesome synonyms for “average” that will add a splash of variety to your vocabulary. Whether you’re a writer, student, or just love language, these words will help you express yourself better. Let's explore these fun alternatives and make your language more exciting!
1. Ordinary
When something is described as “ordinary,” it simply means it’s regular, not special, or out of the ordinary. It's what most people would expect, nothing shocking or new. Think about your everyday routine—nothing too exciting, just regular life. “Ordinary” is often used when something lacks uniqueness or stands out. For example, “The movie was ordinary, just like any other action film.” Using this synonym adds a touch of familiarity without the dullness of the word “average.” It's useful in everyday speech when you don't want to sound too harsh or unkind but still want to express mediocrity.
2. Standard
“Standard” refers to something that is typical, expected, or commonly used. It's like when you see the usual size of a soda can at the store—nothing unusual about it, just the standard. It can also describe measurements, levels, or norms. For example, “Her performance was at a standard level,” meaning it wasn't exceptional but also not disappointing. Using “standard” adds a slightly more neutral or formal tone compared to “average,” making it great for professional contexts. It implies that something is acceptable but not extraordinary—just meeting expectations.
3. Mediocre
“Mediocre” is a slightly stronger word than “average.” It suggests something that is only “okay,” but not even close to being great. It's often used with a negative twist, like when something just isn't impressive. For example, “The restaurant’s food was mediocre at best,” meaning it didn't wow anyone, but it wasn't bad enough to complain about. When you use “mediocre,” you're usually saying something isn't as good as it could be. It can describe anything that falls into the “meh” category—nothing too exciting, just somewhere in the middle.
4. Typical
“Typical” means something that is regular, expected, or usual for a certain situation. It's like when you know what to expect from your favorite TV show. It's nothing out of the ordinary—just typical. For instance, “It was a typical Monday morning,” meaning everything was as usual, nothing surprising or exciting. Using “typical” implies familiarity and predictability, which makes it a great alternative when you want to express something familiar without sounding too bland. It adds a tone of “this is what we usually see” without any negative connotations.
5. Regular
When something is “regular,” it means it’s usual or average, but with less emphasis on being bad or dull. It's just the way things usually are. Imagine going to a coffee shop and ordering a regular cup of coffee—it’s not fancy or special, just the usual choice. For example, “He has a regular job, nothing too exciting.” It's a calm, everyday word. “Regular” works well when you're describing something normal but not necessarily boring. It's a word that feels neutral, perfect when you don't want to overstate things but still want to avoid saying "average."
6. Unremarkable
If something is “unremarkable,” it means there's nothing particularly special about it. It's just another thing in the crowd, blending in without catching anyone’s attention. For example, “The book was unremarkable, lacking any interesting twists.” It's a polite way of saying something was a bit dull or underwhelming. Using “unremarkable” adds a sense of indifference to the description, implying that there was no stand-out feature. It’s especially useful when you want to avoid saying something was bad but still wasn't impressive or outstanding in any way.
7. Average
The word “average” is the classic term we use to describe something that is neither good nor bad. It's just in the middle, neither outstanding nor poor. For example, “The concert was average, with a few good moments but nothing amazing.” It's a solid word that's commonly understood and used. However, it can be a bit too neutral at times, so it’s nice to switch things up. Still, “average” is great when you want to express a straightforward, middle-of-the-road assessment without going overboard.
8. Common
When you say something is “common,” it means it's widespread, typical, or ordinary in a certain context. It's used to describe things that happen often or are found everywhere. For example, “That movie plot is common, seen in many other films.” It doesn’t imply something bad, just that it's widely known or expected. “Common” is a good synonym for “average” when you want to stress how often something occurs or how typical it is. It’s useful when you want to downplay excitement while still acknowledging something's normality.
9. Plain
“Plain” is a simple and straightforward word that means something is uncomplicated or without fancy details. It's like when you see a plain white shirt—no patterns, no designs, just basic. For example, “Her dress was plain, but it fit her perfectly.” It's a way to describe something that doesn't stand out in any special way. Using “plain” can help convey that something is just ordinary, without any extra features that make it exciting. It's ideal when you want to describe simplicity without sounding critical.
10. Run-of-the-mill
“Run-of-the-mill” is a fun way of saying something is not special, just like everything else. Imagine going to a store where everything looks the same—there's nothing new or unique. For example, “His performance was run-of-the-mill, just like any other.” It's a playful expression that adds a bit of casualness to the description. If you're looking for an easygoing way to describe something average, this is a great choice. It tells people it's just the regular, unexceptional thing they've seen before, with a touch of humor.
11. Modest
“Modest” can be used to describe something that is not too extravagant, impressive, or extreme. It suggests something is simple, humble, and not meant to stand out. For instance, “She had a modest dress, not too fancy but very elegant.” This word is often used in a positive way, implying that there's charm in being understated. “Modest” is an excellent choice when you want to highlight simplicity and elegance, without sounding too harsh or unenthusiastic. It's an approachable way to describe something that's not trying too hard to impress.
12. Neutral
“Neutral” means something that is neither good nor bad—it's balanced or in the middle. It's like choosing a neutral color like beige—nothing too bright, just simple and calm. For example, “His opinion was neutral, not leaning in any direction.” This word works when you want to describe something that doesn't take sides or stand out. It's useful when you want to avoid describing something as average or mediocre, but still need to convey that it's just there, without any extremes in either direction.
13. Average
This is our familiar term for something that’s not too good, not too bad. It's in the middle, the typical or usual state. Think of it like a 5 out of 10—nothing crazy but still acceptable. Example: “The food was average; it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.” It's a solid, reliable word to describe something ordinary. While sometimes seen as dull, “average” offers a safe, no-nonsense way to explain things without getting too fancy. It's direct, and everyone knows exactly what you mean.
14. Balanced
“Balanced” refers to something that is evenly distributed or equal in some way. It suggests a state of fairness or harmony between extremes. For example, “His performance was balanced—neither amazing nor terrible.” This word works well when you want to express that something is equal in both positive and negative aspects, like a middle ground. It's a good synonym for average when you want to say that things were in perfect equilibrium, not too high, not too low—just right in the middle.
15. Humdrum
“Humdrum” refers to something that is dull, boring, or monotonous, but in a less negative sense. It's like a normal day at the office, where everything is fine but there's no excitement. For instance, “The meeting was humdrum, with nothing new to discuss.” It conveys that things are okay, but they lack excitement or innovation. “Humdrum” is a fun word to use when you want to describe something that's just the same old, same old, without being too critical or harsh about it.
16. Unexceptional
“Unexceptional” simply means something that is not remarkable, special, or extraordinary. It's used to describe things that don't stand out in any particular way. For example, “His performance was unexceptional, just like the others.” This word is ideal when you want to gently describe something that's plain or ordinary, without sounding too rude. It suggests mediocrity, but in a softer way. “Unexceptional” works well when you need a formal term to describe something that's just okay, nothing more, nothing less.
I hope this list of synonyms for “average” helps you switch up your language and express yourself in new, fun ways. You now have a bunch of words that can spice up your writing or conversation, making it more colorful and engaging. Try using these synonyms in your next chat or project!
