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

The evening, co-hosted by Vanity Fair, marked a continuation in the film’s already lengthy journey, with a suitably ambitious exhibition pulling back the curtain on costumes, puppets, props and diminutive sets.

— Bridget Arsenault, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026
The Lucre mules are crafted in butter-soft kid suede in a dark midnight shade and have the most diminutive toe strap holding the shoe in place.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminutive

Adjective

Comparing households aged 72 and older in 2022 with those aged 75 and older in 2025, Maggiulli calculated a smaller—but still substantial—21% increase.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
The development could help make optical atomic clocks smaller and more suitable for use outside laboratories.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of small

Adjective

Depending on the machine and settings, that material ends up in a purge tower built alongside the print, or in a collection of little plastic doll's-house-looking spaghetti balls, affectionately known as printer poop.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
That gives One Roof a significant advantage over competing Seattle bidders and little incentive to offer anything close to $10 billion.

— Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of little

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submit (to)

subnormal

suboptimal

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“Subnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subnormal. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of subnormal

adjective

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