norm
6 synonyms and 2 antonyms for norm, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — What is considered typical, standard, or expected.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use norm
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the norm
social norms
break the norm
return to the norm
Etymology
From Latin "norma," meaning a carpenter's square or rule — something used to check that things are straight and standard.
Full origin of norm →Frequently asked questions
What does “norm” mean?
The word “norm” means what is considered typical, standard, or expected. In plain terms, what's typical or expected — the usual way things are done.
How do you pronounce “norm”?
“Norm” is pronounced nawm (/nɔɹm/ in IPA).
How do you use “norm” in a sentence?
Here is “norm” used in a sentence: “Working from home has become the norm for many companies.”
What part of speech is “norm”?
“Norm” is a noun.
Where does the word “norm” come from?
The word “norm” comes from Latin. From Latin "norma," meaning a carpenter's square or rule — something used to check that things are straight and standard.
Is “norm” a common word?
“Norm” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “norm” have?
“Norm” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: what is considered typical, standard, or expected.
What is the difference between a "norm" and an "average"?
A "norm" is what is considered typical, standard, or expected in a group or situation. An "average" is a specific figure calculated from a set of numbers. Something can be the norm without being the exact average, because a norm reflects what is usual or accepted rather than a precise calculation.
What is the difference between a "norm" and a "rule"?
A "norm" is often an unwritten expectation of behaviour that a community informally enforces, while a "rule" is usually an explicit, stated requirement. Breaking a rule may bring an official penalty; breaking a norm tends to bring social disapproval instead.
What is an example of a social norm?
A social norm is an unwritten rule of behaviour that a community or society expects and informally enforces. Everyday examples include queuing in turn, saying "please" and "thank you," or keeping your voice down in a library, behaviours no law requires but most people follow.
