standard deviation

NOUN

predictable difference

Synonyms

WEAK

SD deviation normal deviation predictable error probable error range of error standard error

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Restaurant tipping rates decreased by 0.05% on weekends when box-office revenue was one standard deviation higher than average.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

On weekends with high box-office results—one standard deviation above normal—tipping rates dropped to 20.56%.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

The average analyst price target on Bloomberg is about $408, with a 35% standard deviation, he added.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Suddenly they don’t need to know about tricky concepts like standard deviation or Sharpe ratios.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

No other breed falls outside the standard deviation.

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty