normalize

verb

nor·​mal·​ize ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce normalize (audio)
normalized; normalizing; normalizes

transitive verb

1
: to make (something) conform to or reduce (something) to a norm or standard
… a standard written language that by 1776 had become normalized in grammar, spelling, and pronunciation.E. D. Hirsch, Jr.
2
mathematics : to make (something) normal (as by a transformation of variables)
3
: to bring or restore to a normal condition
normalize relations between two countries
… soluble fibers that help to normalize blood sugar.Jane E. Brody
4
: to allow or encourage (something considered extreme or taboo) to become viewed as normal
Let's normalize real talk around mental health.Cynthia Fowler
… helping to normalize bullying and negative behaviors as acceptable forms of interaction …Helena Duch
Mothers around the world are still fighting to normalize breastfeeding in public.Angela Andaloro
normalizable adjective

Examples of normalize in a Sentence

The drug normalizes heart function. The talks are aimed at normalizing relations between the countries. It took years for the political situation in the country to normalize.
Recent Examples on the Web Revenue jumped 22% to 2.36 billion euros ($2.53 billion at the average exchange rate in 2023) while normalized earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew 32% to 501.4 million euros ($542.7 million). Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2024 Saudi Arabia would normalize relations with Israel, a major step in Israel’s ties with the region. Miriam Berger, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 But his ugly and sexist comments about his accuser’s appearance and motives prompted activists to denounce him for reinforcing and normalizing a culture of rape. Ayen Deng Bior, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Mar. 2024 Managing My Manager Over the last few years, my manager has normalized a peer/friend dynamic. Roxane Gay, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 As of early 2024, nearly every country in the region has normalized relations with the Taliban, in spite of common concerns about the stability of Afghanistan and the potential for spillover effects into their borders. Asfandyar Mir, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2024 View all partners LinkedIn Print In October 2022, Lebanon and Israel signed a maritime border agreement brokered by the U.S., a move interpreted as the beginning of normalizing relations between two countries technically at war. Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 The 50-year-old Davidson resident will talk about their efforts to normalize the conversation around rescuing food. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2024 When marketed effectively, celebrities can be a driving force for the industry by strategically investing in companies, tapping larger and more diverse consumer bases, normalizing cannabis use, leading conversations and education about the plant and driving brand engagement and sales. Niklas Kouparanis, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'normalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of normalize was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near normalize

Cite this Entry

“Normalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normalize. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

normalize

verb
nor·​mal·​ize ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce normalize (audio)
normalized; normalizing
: to make normal or average
normalization noun

Medical Definition

normalize

transitive verb
nor·​mal·​ize
variants or British normalise
normalized or British normalised; normalizing or British normalising
: to make conform to or reduce to a norm or standard
normalize blood pressure
normalization noun
or British normalisation

More from Merriam-Webster on normalize

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