normalize

verb

nor·​mal·​ize ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

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

ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms of normalize

• standardize

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

This interservice competition may increasingly normalize what constitutes acceptable coercion below the nuclear threshold and shape targeting priorities, as well as escalation management. — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026

The anti-Muslim rhetoric is not novel in the political world of attack ads, but seems to be more normalized in Florida, according to experts who spoke with the Miami Herald. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

As the celebrity disclosures normalize the condition for working-age adults, expect eye-care providers to screen more aggressively at annual visits, especially for contact-lens wearers. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026

Officials, activists and residents in the overwhelmingly Democratic city say the deployment is a waste of taxpayer money and has normalized the militarization of a major American city. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for normalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

normalize

verb

nor·​mal·​ize ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

normalized; normalizing

: to make normal or average

normalization

ˌnȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

normalize

transitive verb

nor·​mal·​ize

variants or British normalise

ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

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

ˌnȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən