normative
adjective
nor·ma·tive
ˈnȯr-mə-tiv 
1
: of, relating to, or determining norms or standards
normative tests
2
: conforming to or based on norms
normative behavior
normative judgments
3
: prescribing (see prescribe sense 1) norms
normative rules of ethics
normative grammar
normatively
adverb
normativeness
noun
Thus the normativeness of truth is preserved, along with its transcendence of what is presently assertible …
—
Colin McGinn
Colin McGinn
normativity
noun
plural normativities
In our world of shifting gender normativity and embrace of non-traditional expression, the beauty world is reaching out to men—both with products that fit into masculine grooming routines, and ones that break all barriers.
—Samuel Hine
Samuel Hine
… notes that speaking up about being abused or assaulted is an opportunity to challenge the normativity of sexual violence.
—Leslie Sarinana
Leslie Sarinana
Examples of normative in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jencks and Silver’s normative pathway of design typologies may be thrown into reverse gear as universal formulas disaggregate into countless bespoke fixes.
—Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Although this principle has normative value as an ethical aspiration, operationalizing it in the context of maintaining social order in a complex environment of competing goals is next to impossible.
—Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Aside from his upcoming album, the rocker also spoke about the struggles young men face regarding adhering to normative masculinity and his experiences with disordered eating.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 22 May 2025
And the world as a whole will experience more bloodshed, as both governments and separatists, unencumbered by global sanctions or normative restrictions, become more assertive.
—Ryan D. Griffiths, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for normative
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Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Although this principle has normative value as an ethical aspiration, operationalizing it in the context of maintaining social order in a complex environment of competing goals is next to impossible.
—Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Aside from his upcoming album, the rocker also spoke about the struggles young men face regarding adhering to normative masculinity and his experiences with disordered eating.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 22 May 2025
And the world as a whole will experience more bloodshed, as both governments and separatists, unencumbered by global sanctions or normative restrictions, become more assertive.
—Ryan D. Griffiths, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for normative
Cite this Entry
“Normative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normative. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
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