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 Andaloro
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
Vietnam normalized ties with former adversaries and started trading with a much wider range of partners.
—Huong Le Thu, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2024
By sharing their own journeys, artists are helping to normalize PAT and encourage a more thoughtful, open approach to mental wellness, showing that seeking help is an act of strength.
—Milan Kordestani, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2024
Nonrecurring items are normalized to better represent a team’s economics.
—Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2024
The conservative media should quit normalizing the wild behavior of this desperate candidate.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for normalize 
Huong Le Thu, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2024
By sharing their own journeys, artists are helping to normalize PAT and encourage a more thoughtful, open approach to mental wellness, showing that seeking help is an act of strength.
—Milan Kordestani, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2024
Nonrecurring items are normalized to better represent a team’s economics.
—Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2024
The conservative media should quit normalizing the wild behavior of this desperate candidate.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for normalize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'normalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Normalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normalize. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
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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