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
Watters said letting visitors toss vegetables through the fence could send the wrong message, normalizing the idea of being close enough to feed a bear.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The keto diet restored these deficits, particularly in female APOE4 mice, normalizing most metabolites to APOE3 levels.
—New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
There's also a few references that Kang and Kodos are simply hired actors in Treehouse of Horror, normalizing their position in the show and adding light and humor to the aliens, despite their penchant for world domination and evading dissection.
—Grace Dean, Space.com, 25 Oct. 2025
What was once a taboo activity, confined to the fringes of society, has been completely normalized.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for normalize
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Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The keto diet restored these deficits, particularly in female APOE4 mice, normalizing most metabolites to APOE3 levels.
—New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
There's also a few references that Kang and Kodos are simply hired actors in Treehouse of Horror, normalizing their position in the show and adding light and humor to the aliens, despite their penchant for world domination and evading dissection.
—Grace Dean, Space.com, 25 Oct. 2025
What was once a taboo activity, confined to the fringes of society, has been completely normalized.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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
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