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
Initially met with shock and horror, the idea of the Russian conquest of Ukraine has since been normalized by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called for letting Moscow keep some of this land.
—Ryan D. Griffiths, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
Start the Conversation Creating an environment where mental health discussions are normalized benefits everyone.
—Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
His gay life, sadly, is mostly a source of early misery and bitter feeling—a reminder of how recently, and how blessedly, homosexuality has been normalized.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Their species have horns and discrimination against them is normalized; they’re widely stereotyped as cannibalistic monsters who practice witchcraft.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for normalize
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Ryan D. Griffiths, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
Start the Conversation Creating an environment where mental health discussions are normalized benefits everyone.
—Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
His gay life, sadly, is mostly a source of early misery and bitter feeling—a reminder of how recently, and how blessedly, homosexuality has been normalized.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Their species have horns and discrimination against them is normalized; they’re widely stereotyped as cannibalistic monsters who practice witchcraft.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 17 May 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 24 May. 2025.
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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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