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
And yet…Jamil and Emma aren’t wrong in their observations, as extreme weight loss at any cost continues to be celebrated and has become more normalized by the widespread use of GLP-1 medications.
—Michelle Konstantinovsky, Glamour, 22 Dec. 2025
Showing this in such a contemplative fashion feels quietly radical in an attention economy that has normalized loudness.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025
As the bifurcated family grew further apart and photographs faded, the lives of those living in the United States gradually normalized.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Overall, Japan is often regarded as a conservative nation, where public displays of affection are not normalized.
—Malik Peay, Them., 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for normalize
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Michelle Konstantinovsky, Glamour, 22 Dec. 2025
Showing this in such a contemplative fashion feels quietly radical in an attention economy that has normalized loudness.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025
As the bifurcated family grew further apart and photographs faded, the lives of those living in the United States gradually normalized.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Overall, Japan is often regarded as a conservative nation, where public displays of affection are not normalized.
—Malik Peay, Them., 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for normalize
Cite this Entry
“Normalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normalize. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.
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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