SUBNORMAL Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

subnormal

adjective

ˌsəb-ˈnȯr-məl

Definition of subnormal

as in diminutive

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

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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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subnormal

Adjective

Agencies today balance irrigation and development needs with the water quality and temperature needed by endangered and threatened fish, ranging from winter run Chinook salmon and Central Valley Steelhead trout to diminutive delta and longfin smelt.

— Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Despite its diminutive size, inside you’ll find Extra Strength Tylenol, Neosporin cream, wipes, gauze, and an assortment of Band-aid bandages.

— Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026

Definition of diminutive

Adjective

They were first popularized in Georgian England as small tokens of affection, infatuation or mourning, and examples are scattered across major museums such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Potential monetary policy task force recommendations may involve less transparent communication, a smaller balance sheet with stability risks, and inflation metrics that produce a lower reading.

— David Zhang, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of small

Adjective

The county purchased a brand new playground in 2022, but that did little to draw in visitors, or at least not the kind the Park and Recreation Department was hoping for.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Society has had very little time to develop stable rules around it.

— Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of little

Browse Nearby Words

submit (to)

subnormal

suboptimal

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“Subnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subnormal. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of subnormal

adjective

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