standardize

American  

[stan-der-dahyz] / ˈstæn dərˌdaɪz /

especially British, standardise

verb (used with object)

standardized, standardizing

1. to bring to or make of an established standard size, weight, quality, strength, or the like.

   to standardize manufactured parts.

2. to compare with or test by a standard.

3. to choose or establish a standard for.

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verb (used without object)

standardized, standardizing

1. to become standardized.

standardize British  

/ ˈstændəˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become standard

2. (tr) to test by or compare with a standard

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Other Word Forms

• nonstandardization noun
• nonstandardized adjective
• prestandardization noun
• prestandardize verb (used with object)
• quasi-standardized adjective
• restandardization noun
• restandardize verb (used with object)
• standardizable adjective
• standardization noun
• standardizer noun
• substandardization noun
• substandardize verb (used with object)
• unstandardizable adjective
• unstandardized adjective

Etymology

Origin of standardize

First recorded in 1870–75; standard + -ize

Explanation

To standardize something is to make it fit a certain guideline or requirement. If a school decides to standardize its grading system, it makes sure every teacher gives grades in exactly the same way. Use the verb standardize to describe what an organization or company does when it makes a product or rule conform to a certain model. Often, to standardize things is to make them all exactly the same. When a city standardizes all its playground equipment, every park begins to look alike, with the same slides, swings, and sandboxes.

Example Sentences

The new rules standardize publicly traded companies’ explanations of why their effective tax rates diverge from the U.S.’s statutory 21% levy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

On its most recent earnings call, the company said it would invest several hundred million dollars to standardize its business on a global platform.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

With AI highlighting nuances between role titles and the actual skills necessary and tasks performed, companies can then begin to standardize roles to help support business operations and career trajectories.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026

“SCE has taken immediate steps to further strengthen and standardize its grounding practices with respect to idle lines, including updating SCE’s Transmission Operations and Maintenance Policies and Procedures,” reads the footnote.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2025

Gey and several colleagues had already organized a committee to develop procedures to “simplify and standardize the technique of tissue culturing.”

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

Related Words

• institutionalize