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 Andaloro
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
DeCaro say in many cases, unhealthy patterns like this may be normalized or even mistakenly labeled as healthy, which can become confusing.
—Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2023
Over time, if enough studios arrange deals in this manner, the term will become normalized in contravention of the tentative deal’s aim to empower performers with the ability to control future uses of their AI doubles.
—Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Nov. 2023
These women are normalizing the often messy and chaotic experience of being a middle-class mom to give real advice to their followers.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2023
Israel even succeeded in normalizing ties with Bahrain, Morocco, and the UAE in what some in Israel and the United States hoped would be a stronger regional bulwark against Iran.
—Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2023
These Latines are normalizing alcohol-free spaces for la cultura.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023
Bahrain’s Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa al-Khalifa said the Israel-Hamas war shouldn’t be allowed to interrupt economic integration in the region that emerged after Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates normalized relations with Israel in 2020.
—Stephen Kalin, WSJ, 25 Oct. 2023
There is a strong desire for menstrual health to be normalized in schools and workplaces, and teens expect education to be part of the core curriculum for everyone.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 8 Nov. 2023
Academics have normalized violent rhetoric, and student groups justify any act of violence as long as the recipient of the violence is labeled an oppressor.
—WSJ, 7 Nov. 2023
See More
Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2023
Over time, if enough studios arrange deals in this manner, the term will become normalized in contravention of the tentative deal’s aim to empower performers with the ability to control future uses of their AI doubles.
—Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Nov. 2023
These women are normalizing the often messy and chaotic experience of being a middle-class mom to give real advice to their followers.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2023
Israel even succeeded in normalizing ties with Bahrain, Morocco, and the UAE in what some in Israel and the United States hoped would be a stronger regional bulwark against Iran.
—Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2023
These Latines are normalizing alcohol-free spaces for la cultura.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023
Bahrain’s Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa al-Khalifa said the Israel-Hamas war shouldn’t be allowed to interrupt economic integration in the region that emerged after Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates normalized relations with Israel in 2020.
—Stephen Kalin, WSJ, 25 Oct. 2023
There is a strong desire for menstrual health to be normalized in schools and workplaces, and teens expect education to be part of the core curriculum for everyone.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 8 Nov. 2023
Academics have normalized violent rhetoric, and student groups justify any act of violence as long as the recipient of the violence is labeled an oppressor.
—WSJ, 7 Nov. 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.
Word History
First Known Use
1847, in the meaning defined at sense 3
Articles Related to normalize
Dictionary Entries Near normalize
Cite this Entry
“Normalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normalize. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
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Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on normalize
Nglish: Translation of normalize for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of normalize for Arabic Speakers
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