IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
norm
noun/nɔːm/Band 7
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“norm” is a Band 7 noun that means a standard or pattern of behaviour that is typical or expected in a society. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
A standard or pattern of behaviour that is typical or expected in a society.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “Working from home has become the norm.”
- “Social norms vary from culture to culture.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
standardconventionrule
Antonyms
exceptionanomaly
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
social normscultural normsbecome the norm
Common phrases
the norm rather than the exception
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “norm” mean?
A standard or pattern of behaviour that is typical or expected in a society.
How do you use “norm” in a sentence?
For example: “Working from home has become the norm.”
What are some synonyms for “norm”?
Synonyms include standard, convention, rule.
Is “norm” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 7 vocabulary, and collocations such as social norms, cultural norms, become the norm help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
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