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

Example 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 Whoever gets there first will hold the winning hand in setting norms of behavior and rules of governance, which could limit who can access valuable resources for decades to come. —

John Kross, Space.com, 3 Feb. 2025 This invisibility, combined with the gender norms of time, created the sometimes gaping openings in Montour’s life narrative, many of which have been filled with romantic—and gendered—colonial myths and dreams. —

Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 1 Feb. 2025 Trying to tweak enormous, citywide systems and behavior norms, however, is a challenge. —

Benji Jones, Vox, 31 Jan. 2025 Many combine their pragmatism and independence with the societal norms of today, resulting in a distinct grandparenting style. —

Fiona Tapp, Parents, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for norm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for norm

Noun

This shared success and positive environment helps significantly with common feelings of being alone and isolated, especially in this new normal of remote/hybrid work environments and cultures.

— Mark Cunningham, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
By that point, the hotel had settled into its temporary new normal: hosting a revolving door of first-time guests while the city pauses its social calendar that would typically lead a starrier clientele to events there, especially at the height of awards season.

— Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2025