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 Biden was working to normalize ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
—Dana L. Stroul, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
The growing visibility around pelvic floor care signals a larger shift toward body literacy and self-advocacy, especially for women who have often been told to normalize pain or leakage.
—Sara Braun, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025
And the explosion of buy now, pay later options online and at brick-and-mortar retailers has normalized taking on longer-term debt for purchases as small as food delivery.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025
Moving Mental Health Out of the Shadows — A candid discussion about shifting stigma and expanding access, this panel highlights how media narratives can help normalize conversations around mental health and foster pathways to care.
—Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for normalize
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Dana L. Stroul, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
The growing visibility around pelvic floor care signals a larger shift toward body literacy and self-advocacy, especially for women who have often been told to normalize pain or leakage.
—Sara Braun, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025
And the explosion of buy now, pay later options online and at brick-and-mortar retailers has normalized taking on longer-term debt for purchases as small as food delivery.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025
Moving Mental Health Out of the Shadows — A candid discussion about shifting stigma and expanding access, this panel highlights how media narratives can help normalize conversations around mental health and foster pathways to care.
—Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 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 24 Nov. 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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