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
Enter India As a follow-up to the Abraham Accords initiative, which normalized relations between Israel and four Arab states, the United States administration pushed for the I2U2 agreement among Israel, India, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
—Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
The president has normalized the misuse of executive authority and government resources to coerce the country’s most powerful universities, companies and law firms to cower to his anti-democratic demands.
—Erin M. Carr, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025
The more highly visible people normalize breastfeeding, the better.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 5 May 2025
What’s seen in the media becomes normalized in culture, and what’s normalized in culture shapes future media.
—S.t. Barnes, Baltimore Sun, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for normalize
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
The president has normalized the misuse of executive authority and government resources to coerce the country’s most powerful universities, companies and law firms to cower to his anti-democratic demands.
—Erin M. Carr, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025
The more highly visible people normalize breastfeeding, the better.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 5 May 2025
What’s seen in the media becomes normalized in culture, and what’s normalized in culture shapes future media.
—S.t. Barnes, Baltimore Sun, 4 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 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share