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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Snow flurries could last into Monday, the cold staying through Tuesday with a temperature rebound of sorts into the still subnormal 50s by the middle of next week. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 15 Apr. 2018 An amplified jet stream pattern that has brought subnormal temperatures to eastern portions of North America and unseasonable warmth to the West is forecast to continue much of the workweek. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 11 Dec. 2017 Sunday marked our fifth straight day of subnormal readings. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 27 Aug. 2017 Resulting northwest wind flow will bring to the area temperatures more typical of mid-May, making this the only weekend this month with subnormal readings. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 23 June 2017 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 Another day of subnormal temperatures is slated for Monday before winds shift to a west-to-east orientation. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 25 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subnormal
Adjective
  • Hawkins is the revelation here, a diminutive, hippy-dippy monster.
    Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 21 July 2025
  • Over the past century, however, pollution, invasive species and excessive water pumping have destabilized the ecosystem, pushing the diminutive delta smelt toward extinction.
    Moira Donovan, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and garlic and mix well.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • The Kitchen by Cooking with Que is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays as a small café. Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • And who was on the plane, who’s in the little black book?
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
  • If Brookshire bounces back the next year, Schroth predicts there will be little reaction from neighbors.
    Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • People in their finest gathered under those lights.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • Experts believe that rice played a role in rituals that were performed in the cave, which also included fine pottery, shell pendants and ornaments.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Subnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subnormal. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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