normalize

verb

nor·​mal·​ize ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce normalize (audio)
normalized; normalizing; normalizes

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
normalizable adjective

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
For decades, Roger Pielke Jr., a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, has worked with other scientists on studies that normalize hurricane season losses dating back to 1900, adjusting not only for inflation but also calculating wealth and coastal population. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 First, on the consumer side, food delivery apps are becoming normalized. Steven Dudash, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 His quick report card for President Trump: success in clinching the Abraham Accords that normalized relations between Israel and a number of Arab countries, and success with a modest rewrite and update of the North American trade deal, then called NAFTA. Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Oct. 2024 Advertisement Because of that, Judge’s OPS+ (an all-encompassing metric that normalizes overall production relative to the rest of the league) was a whopping 223. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for normalize 

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of normalize was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near normalize

Cite this Entry

“Normalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normalize. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

normalize

verb
nor·​mal·​ize ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce normalize (audio)
normalized; normalizing
: to make normal or average
normalization noun

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
normalization noun
or British normalisation

More from Merriam-Webster on normalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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