ordinary 1 of 2

adjective

ˈȯr-də-ˌner-ē How to pronounce ordinary (audio)
Definition of ordinarynext
1
as in normal
being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events it was a perfectly ordinary and undistinguished shirt

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in decent
of average to below average quality the pizza at that restaurant is just ordinary—it's nothing to write home about

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in usual
often observed or encountered an ordinary hairstyle for boys of that age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ordinary

2 of 2

noun

as in commonplace

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective ordinary contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ordinary are common, familiar, plain, popular, and vulgar. While all these words mean "generally met with and not in any way special, strange, or unusual," ordinary stresses conformance in quality or kind with the regular order of things.

an ordinary pleasant summer day
a very ordinary sort of man

When would common be a good substitute for ordinary?

While in some cases nearly identical to ordinary, common implies usual everyday quality or frequency of occurrence and may additionally suggest inferiority or coarseness.

a common error
lacked common honesty
common manners

When is it sensible to use familiar instead of ordinary?

Although the words familiar and ordinary have much in common, familiar stresses the fact of being generally known and easily recognized.

a familiar melody

Where would plain be a reasonable alternative to ordinary?

The words plain and ordinary can be used in similar contexts, but plain is likely to suggest homely simplicity.

plain hard-working people

In what contexts can popular take the place of ordinary?

While the synonyms popular and ordinary are close in meaning, popular applies to what is accepted by or prevalent among people in general sometimes in contrast to upper classes or special groups.

a writer of popular romances

How do vulgar and popular relate to one another, in the sense of ordinary?

Vulgar, otherwise similar to popular, is likely to carry derogatory connotations (as of inferiority or coarseness).

souvenirs designed to appeal to the vulgar taste

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 ordinary
Adjective
Unfortunately, ordinary residential buildings have also been damaged. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 The color, shape, and standard windows of Grand Mulberry mark it as an ordinary citizen of Little Italy. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
The couple have often walked red carpets together, so it certainly wouldn’t be considered out of the ordinary for the 37-year-old to walk the Golden Globes red carpet alongside her beau as his plus-one. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2025 These pieces can transform one’s daily bathing ritual from an ordinary to a spa-like experience. —Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 1 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ordinary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinary
  1. normal
  2. decent
  3. usual
  4. commonplace
  5. average
  6. medium
  7. ubiquitous
  8. rule
Adjective
  • The Islanders filled up Nassau Coliseum one more time in the spring of 2021, when another delirious run to the semis provided the backdrop and the soundtrack as life seemed to return to normal.
    — Jerry Beach, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Veterans Affairs benefits, including pensions and disability checks, would also continue as normal under a shutdown.
    — Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of normal
Adjective
  • Blessedly, Tucci and Esposito infuse their cheesier character moments with a decent dose of sincerity to blunt the edges.
    — Courtney Howard, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Baker, who resides in Los Angeles, can’t get a decent catfish to save her life.
    — Abigail Covington, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of decent
Adjective
  • Since retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, don’t forget to apply SPF (as usual).
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Agencies that have already received funding approval or operate on a permanent funding basis would continue to operate as usual.
    — Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of usual
Noun
  • The Grand Ole Opry House holds 4,400 people, but can’t accommodate standing-room tours, a commonplace in genres like EDM and hip-hop.
    — Matthew Leimkuehler, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Cora’s passion is helping people discover new ways to think about the commonplace, like our clothing.
    — Cora Harrington, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
Definition of commonplace
Adjective
  • That basic annuity is calculated using years of service and the highest average pay during three consecutive years of service, so even employees who are eligible for the program could end up with a lower-than-expected benefit if they are pushed out.
    — Jesse Pound, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The results of the annual poverty tracker, which estimated the average family needs to make $50,000 just to afford basic necessities, immediately sparked backlash as New Yorkers are squeezed by inflation.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of average
Adjective
  • Add sugar; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Roast and Serve Meanwhile, in a medium bowl drizzle shrimp with remaining lemon mixture; toss to coat.
    — Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of medium
Adjective
  • Skype, the pioneering and once ubiquitous free video calling service, will be history come May.
    — Scott Neuman, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Some have come out of nowhere, others have taken months to catch on, and all of them could become ubiquitous in the blink of a TikTok clip.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of ubiquitous
Noun
  • The rule is simple: Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox (as it's called in the Northern Hemisphere).
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The telework rules for unionized state workers are part of an agreement covering pension and health benefits that doesn’t expire until June 30, 2027, union officials say.
    — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of rule

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Cite this Entry

“Ordinary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordinary. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ordinary

Nglish: Translation of ordinary for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ordinary

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