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.

Their final result brought theoretical predictions and experimental measurements into agreement within less than half a standard deviation.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

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

The standard deviation of targets for the other Magnificent Seven stock ranges from 10% to 16%.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

In oil’s case, it’s a 7-deviation move; everything else is in the 1-to-1.5 standard deviation range.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

No other breed falls outside the standard deviation.

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty