Synonyms of norm

norm

noun

ˈnȯrm 

1

as in normal

what is typical of a group, class, or series

sales figures that are within the norm of a store of that size

Synonyms & Similar Words

• normal
• average
• standard
• usual
• ordinary
• par
• mean
• rule
• median
• commonplace
• middle
• status quo
• golden mean
• representative
• run
• exemplar

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exception
• deviation
• anomaly
• abnormality
• rarity

2

as in standards

norms plural the code of good conduct for an individual or group

societal norms dictate that murder is wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

• standards
• principles
• values
• ethics
• morality
• morals
• ethos
• beliefs
• customs
• manners
• dictates
• etiquette
• mores
• dogma
• tenets
• faith

Synonym Chooser

How is the word norm distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of norm are average, mean, and median. While all these words mean "something that represents a middle point," norm means the average of performance of a significantly large group, class, or grade.

scores about the norm for fifth grade arithmetic

When is it sensible to use average instead of norm?

The synonyms average and norm are sometimes interchangeable, but average is the quotient obtained by dividing the sum total of a set of figures by the number of figures.

scored an average of 85 on tests

When might mean be a better fit than norm?

The words mean and norm can be used in similar contexts, but mean may be the simple average or it may represent value midway between two extremes.

a high of 70° and a low of 50° give a mean of 60°

When can median be used instead of norm?

Although the words median and norm have much in common, median applies to the value that represents the point at which there are as many instances above as there are below.

average of a group of persons earning 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 dollars an hour is 6 dollars, whereas the median is 5 dollars

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of norm

Francis likely approved the bishop appointments awhile back and the new norms for the fundraising entity were approved Feb. 11, before he was hospitalized. —Trisha Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025

Ray wasn’t the cinematographer (Joseph MacDonald was), but, under Ray’s direction, the film—shot in the widescreen CinemaScope format—departed significantly from industry norms. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2025

The company turned things around partially by incorporating local cultural norms such as omotenashi, the Japanese philosophy of deep, anticipatory hospitality, as well as adapting to more stringent regulatory requirements. —Muraly Srinarayanathas, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

Although a variety of factors may explain the declines, some experts suggest the pandemic gave way to riskier behaviors, and Americans are now returning to norms. —Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 Feb. 2025