normalize

verb

nor·mal·ize ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz

normalized; normalizing; normalizes

Synonyms of normalize next

transitive verb

: 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.

mathematics : to make (something) normal (as by a transformation of variables)

: to bring or restore to a normal condition

normalize relations between two countries

… soluble fibers that help to normalize blood sugar.—

Jane E. Brody

: 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

ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlī-zə-bəl

adjective

Example Sentences

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 Nonetheless, Sirajuddin has lately positioned himself as a practical figure seeking to normalize Afghanistan’s place in the world. —

Steve Coll, The New York Review of Books, 1 June 2023 Just trying to normalize what should already be normal. —

Tabitha Britt, Peoplemag, 30 May 2023 Japan insists all compensation issues were settled by a 1965 treaty that normalized relations. —

Foster Klug, Kim Tong-hyung, And Mari Yamaguchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 May 2023 The politicians of San Francisco finally decided to normalize trade relations with the United States. —

wsj.com, 3 May 2023 The collective findings reveal an increase in recent years in hate crimes and efforts to change classroom curriculums, attempts to make voting more difficult and extremist views being normalized in politics, the military and law enforcement. —

CBS News, 15 Apr. 2023 Relations With Israel: Saudi Arabia has been seeking security guarantees from the United States and help with developing a civilian nuclear program in exchange for normalizing relations with Israel. —

Shuaib Almosawa, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2023 Only when the group seeks to collectively normalize the behavior does this environmental narrative emerge. —

Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2023 Japan has insisted all compensation issues were settled by a 1965 treaty that normalized bilateral ties and was accompanied by $800 million in economic aid and loans from Tokyo to Seoul. —

Mari Yamaguchi, ajc, 16 Mar. 2023 See More

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.