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
Innovative leaders normalize feedback, encourage honest dialogue, and reward risk-taking.
—Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
While the talks are still in the early stages, Trump’s engagement has raised the possibility of Syria’s leadership eventually normalizing ties with Israel, although this process will likely take time.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025
Saudi Arabia, still distant from normalizing ties with Israel, signed $142 billion arms during Trump's recent visit, but uncertainty over F-35s is driving it to seek alternatives to American defense reliance.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
With vegan chefs like Donna’s Recipe’s Tabitha Brown and Erykah Badu normalizing the diet in the Black community, veganism turned into Morrison’s medicine for anxiety.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for normalize
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Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
While the talks are still in the early stages, Trump’s engagement has raised the possibility of Syria’s leadership eventually normalizing ties with Israel, although this process will likely take time.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025
Saudi Arabia, still distant from normalizing ties with Israel, signed $142 billion arms during Trump's recent visit, but uncertainty over F-35s is driving it to seek alternatives to American defense reliance.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
With vegan chefs like Donna’s Recipe’s Tabitha Brown and Erykah Badu normalizing the diet in the Black community, veganism turned into Morrison’s medicine for anxiety.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 22 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.
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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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