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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 The larger subject of the administration’s effort to slash federal spending in general was also decried by numerous winners as a violation of cherished democratic norms. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 2 June 2025 For such coordination to be effective, leaders will have to construct and maintain networks of connection, norms, and institutions. Robert O. Keohane, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2025 And things have already ticked back down, though compared to historical norms, home runs are still flying out of college ballparks at a rate akin to the gorilla ball days. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025 The Oilers celebrated in front of the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, which McDavid went against all usual hockey norms and touched the trophy. Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for norm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for norm
Noun
  • For McClain, a colonel and Master Army aviator, that means adapting to a new normal of living and working in space.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 18 May 2025
  • The movie’s over-all arc is a common one: from the unquestioned routines of daily life to the strange new normal of risks and precautions, fears and constraints, illness and deaths; from there to an eventual sense of wary relief.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Boeing has faced criticism for its safety standards in recent years but claims its turnaround is underway.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025
  • The storied manufacturer faced criticism for what many saw as slipping standards on its production lines in recent years.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • His average proximity to the hole on approach shots is 31 feet, 8 inches, the best average of any player and a full 15 feet better than the field average.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 14 June 2025
  • Bespoke Investment Group calculates that the S & P 500's average performance on days after a daily decline is the highest in at least 33 years, narrowly surpassing the 2020 average.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • As the company gears up to celebrate five years of redefining the industry standard, its mission for the future remains clear: bringing ideas to life and creating new revenue sources for small businesses.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • In response, Taiwan's hospitals are taking decisive action by integrating artificial intelligence and robotics to support their staff and maintain high standards of patient care.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Norm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/norm. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on norm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!