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 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
At 5ft 7in (170cm), Sullivan is a diminutive winger with his own needs.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminutive

Adjective

There’s also a small but well-equipped 24-hour gym, a sauna, steam rooms, and a Jacuzzi area with daybeds.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
In a small Idaho town, a young mother is accused of killing her young twins.

— Glenn Thrush Eric Schmitt Liam Stack Tim Balk, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of small

Adjective

While her work regularly brings her into close proximity with children, Uta has little interest in starting a family of her own.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
His viewing has little to do with finance, ranging from 1950s commercials to Uzbekistan’s version of America’s Got Talent.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of little

Adjective

Thinner fibers would allow researchers to embed more sensing elements into garments, potentially capturing finer details of body movement.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
The new songs on Live at Carnegie Hall are some of Winter’s very finest.

— Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of fine

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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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of subnormal

adjective

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