as in diminutive
of a size that is less than average because of the summer drought, harvests have definitely been subnormal this year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  • Despite their diminutive nature, this research suggests even microquasars snacking on small stars can have an impressive cosmic influence, becoming powerful natural particle accelerators.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Despite its diminutive size, the Timekettle Fluentalk T1 Mini Translator is pretty capable.
    Séamus Bellamy, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Is what he’s done a small sample size thing or something more?
    James Mirtle, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • No matter if they’re labeled green, farmers’ or artisans’ markets, the gatherings are a source of one-stop shopping for specialty goods that help patrons kick their cooking up a notch while also supporting small businesses.
    Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But there is little consensus among locals as to what should be done with the proceeds of the lithium boom.
    John Bartlett, NPR, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The sidewalks have been cleared of snow by little sidewalk snowplows.
    Joseph O’Neill, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In The White Lotus’s fine second season, Woodall played an Essex tough with a lovable joie de vivre, a seductive combination that seemed to announce the arrival of a new star.
    Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Ahead, find 11 hair oils that do the most (with the least heft) for those with fine hair.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subnormal. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on subnormal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!