as in diminutive
of a size that is less than average
because of the summer drought, harvests have definitely been subnormal this year
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Recent Examples of subnormal
Quite simply, normal human consciousness is optimized for normal human functioning, but is subnormal for achieving goals beyond the ordinary.
—
Brett Steenbarger, Forbes, 30 May 2021
Flow off the 50-degree waters of Lake Michigan will bring our first subnormal temperatures in 10 days.
—Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 31 May 2018
Everybody knew that comics were for children and for intellectually subnormal people, whereas graphic novel sounds like a much more sophisticated proposition.
—Adam Rogers, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2009
Brett Steenbarger, Forbes, 30 May 2021
Flow off the 50-degree waters of Lake Michigan will bring our first subnormal temperatures in 10 days.
—Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 31 May 2018
Everybody knew that comics were for children and for intellectually subnormal people, whereas graphic novel sounds like a much more sophisticated proposition.
—Adam Rogers, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2009
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subnormal
Adjective
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The diminutive scholar and social media star offers a theory for the film’s remarkable resonance with audiences.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
15 Oct. 2025
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Skeet is a diminutive figure with short, gray hair, and a round face with prominent cheeks.—
Mitch Moxley,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Designed for portability and performance The DGX Spark is small enough to fit in a backpack yet powerful enough to run modern AI reasoning models.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Oct. 2025
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The lasagna gets topped with a layer of small, early spring bulbs like crocuses.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Bad Bunny has commented little, save for an SNL monologue poking fun at the situation.—
Rolling Stone,
Rolling Stone,
12 Oct. 2025
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After Texas produced little in the run game at Florida, Wisner proved elusive, dodging and breaking tackles to produce chunk plays and keep Texas moving down the field.—
Sam Khan Jr,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Today, the shells continue to be found on powwow regalia (Russell McCloud is an in-demand artist for traditional breastplates), as well as on avant-garde runway fashions and fine jewelry pieces.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
13 Oct. 2025
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Oregon is fine On the surface, a single loss by the Ducks to a top-five team won’t be all that damaging in the long term.—
Erick Smith,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Built with water-resistant polyester, this spacious duffel has a dedicated shoe compartment, an end pocket for wet or dirty clothes, a multi-pocket compression panel for organization, and an interior divider curtain that can be removed to hold bulky clothes or outdoor gear.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Jan. 2025
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The Vault by Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Collection includes special-edition versions of the iconic Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX with adaptations—think canvas pockets and easy-carry heel straps—inspired by a classic multi-pocket garden tote and workwear bucket bag often used on construction job sites.—
Hollyanna McCollom,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Subnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subnormal. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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