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 View all partners LinkedIn Print In October 2022, Lebanon and Israel signed a maritime border agreement brokered by the U.S., a move interpreted as the beginning of normalizing relations between two countries technically at war. Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 The 50-year-old Davidson resident will talk about their efforts to normalize the conversation around rescuing food. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2024 When marketed effectively, celebrities can be a driving force for the industry by strategically investing in companies, tapping larger and more diverse consumer bases, normalizing cannabis use, leading conversations and education about the plant and driving brand engagement and sales. Niklas Kouparanis, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024 The Biden administration has been working to secure a mega-deal that will see ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel normalize. NBC News, 18 Feb. 2024 Consider the fate of the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-brokered agreements between Israel and a handful of Arab countries to normalize relations. Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 14 Feb. 2024 The two actually talk in DeRozan’s backyard where Wade discusses fatherhood and how the family has normalized therapy. Mike Freeman, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2024 Perhaps the most damning aspect of this is that paying for expensive care with crowdfunding is no longer seen as unusual; instead, it is being normalized as part of the health system, like getting bloodwork done or waiting on hold for an appointment. Elisabeth Rosenthal, Fortune Well, 13 Feb. 2024 Our investment banker is confident 2024 will be better as expectations have normalized and interest rates have declined. Allen Buchanan, Orange County Register, 24 Feb. 2024

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

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 28 Mar. 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

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