NORM Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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°

Q: 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

norm

noun

ˈnȯrm

Definition of norm next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Examples 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 norm The duration wasn’t either but as the television industry has shifted, these deal have tended to narrow from a five-year norm to two or three years. —

Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024 Walker aims to defy societal norms, using her art to spark essential conversations. —

Okla Jones, Essence, 6 Dec. 2024 The company created a new senior VP position for him, an unusual move for Apple that broke with its traditional hiring norms. —

Steven Levy, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024 That requires changes to infrastructure, policy and cultural norms to promote the conservation of resources and shrink the demand for new minerals amid the shift to renewables. —

Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for norm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for norm

Noun

For the new normal to be economically sustainable, streamers need to do a better job of optimizing their viewers’ time and attention.

Jonathan Bing, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024
Rather than imposing change, involve your team in shaping the new normal.

Dan Gamble, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024