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

Users who engage with these tools help shape security norms and hold companies accountable for safeguarding data. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 June 2025

But the question of which countries Washington views as adversaries and allies and why is very much open, particularly as the world watches Trump’s assault on democratic norms and institutions at home. —Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

The dangers of suppressing individualism for the sake of societal or institutional norms are amplified by the Orwellian nightmare fuel setting in which A Clockwork Orange takes place, wherein the conformer is exploited by corrupt actors at every turn. —Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025

This can eventually create an emotional gap if the pattern becomes a norm in the relationship. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025