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

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

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

And yet the VIX finished Friday above 27, a level that is roughly one standard deviation above the index’s long-term average.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 14, 2026

At estimated 2027 price-to-book of 0.95X, banking stock valuations appear undemanding, trading one standard deviation below its five-year mean price-to-book of 1.07X, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

No other breed falls outside the standard deviation.

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty