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
Symptoms like urgency, frequent urination and leakage episodes are often normalized, but they shouldn’t be dismissed.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026
Woods expects oil flows from the Persian Gulf to normalize in a month or two after the strait reopens.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Once family planning normalized the idea that fertility should be responsibly managed in the public interest, new technologies — notably intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants — were easily folded into that project.
—Sonya Borrero, STAT, 1 May 2026
To address the challenge, Ursa Major aims to normalize repeated use, which could significantly reduce per-flight costs and increase flight rates.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for normalize
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Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026
Woods expects oil flows from the Persian Gulf to normalize in a month or two after the strait reopens.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Once family planning normalized the idea that fertility should be responsibly managed in the public interest, new technologies — notably intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants — were easily folded into that project.
—Sonya Borrero, STAT, 1 May 2026
To address the challenge, Ursa Major aims to normalize repeated use, which could significantly reduce per-flight costs and increase flight rates.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for normalize
Cite this Entry
“Normalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normalize. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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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