normalize
verb
nor·mal·ize
ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz 
normalized; normalizing; normalizes
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.
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
Jane E. Brody4
: to allow or encourage (something considered extreme or taboo) to become viewed as normal
Let's normalize real talk around mental health.—Cynthia Fowler
Cynthia Fowler… helping to normalize bullying and negative behaviors as acceptable forms of interaction …—Helena Duch
Helena DuchMothers around the world are still fighting to normalize breastfeeding in public.—Angela Andaloro
Angela AndaloroExamples 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
Ultimately, reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains the only lasting solution, though even that would take time to normalize markets, Currie said, arguing that shrinking global inventories are also strengthening Iran’s leverage in ongoing negotiations.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 25 May 2026
The world can’t wait much longer for the strait to return to normal, but dragging out talks helps normalize Iran’s de facto control, ISW noted in a separate report.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 24 May 2026
As biohacking gains momentum among elites, the Enhanced Games aim to normalize longevity drugs through a Vegas sports spectacle.
—Elizabeth Dwoskin, Washington Post, 24 May 2026
The elevation of figures and movements built around skepticism of vaccines, institutions and public health expertise further normalized distrust at precisely the moment the country needed serious leadership and credible public health communication.
—Brian Castrucci, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for normalize
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Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 25 May 2026
The world can’t wait much longer for the strait to return to normal, but dragging out talks helps normalize Iran’s de facto control, ISW noted in a separate report.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 24 May 2026
As biohacking gains momentum among elites, the Enhanced Games aim to normalize longevity drugs through a Vegas sports spectacle.
—Elizabeth Dwoskin, Washington Post, 24 May 2026
The elevation of figures and movements built around skepticism of vaccines, institutions and public health expertise further normalized distrust at precisely the moment the country needed serious leadership and credible public health communication.
—Brian Castrucci, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for normalize
Cite this Entry
“Normalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normalize. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
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