normalize

verb

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nor·mal·ize | \ ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz

normalized; normalizing; normalizes

Definition of normalize

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

Other Words from normalize Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About normalize

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 As traffic started to normalize last year, roadway deaths jumped 18 percent, marking the biggest six-month increase since the federal government began tracking fatal crashes in 1975. — The Week Staff, The Week, 16 Jan. 2022 The housing market was doing well at the turn of the year and may normalize, said Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the trade association for real estate agents. — From Staff And Wire Reports, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Jan. 2022 Tone It Up is launching a new charitable organization, The Big Silence, to normalize discussions about mental health issues. — Stephanie Emma Pfeffer, PEOPLE.com, 10 Jan. 2022 In addition, the power couple is working to normalize the black family structure. — Corein Carter, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2021 Once travel begins to normalize, tourists will undoubtedly flock to Vietnam’s world-famous beaches and dynamic megacities. — New York Times, 27 Dec. 2021 The housing market was doing well at the turn of the year and may normalize, said Lawrence Yun, the chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, a trade association for real estate agents. — Washington Post, 16 Dec. 2021 Oakland is considering whether to limit testing of current and prospective city employees for marijuana use, reflecting the push to normalize cannabis, which California voters made legal statewide for recreational use in 2016. — Sarah Ravani, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Nov. 2021 Today’s economy is bouncing back from a systemic shock with a demand boom, while creaking under the pressures in product and labor markets, where demand and supply normalize at different speeds. — Paul Swartz, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'normalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.