decriminalize
verb
de·crim·i·nal·ize
(ˌ)dē-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 
-ˈkrim-nəl-
decriminalized; decriminalizing; decriminalizes
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of
especially
: to repeal a strict ban on while keeping under some form of regulation
decriminalize the possession of marijuana
Examples of decriminalize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
About 69% of Texans endorse legislation to decriminalize marijuana for those 21 years and older, which would reduce penalties for possession to fines rather than criminal charges.
—
Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025
During his 2024 campaign, President-elect Trump expressed support for rescheduling and decriminalizing marijuana.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025
Conservative politicians have taken to blaming casual consumers, including marijuana smokers, for supporting a deadly industry at a time when some governments in the Americas and Europe have decriminalized or legalized cannabis.
—Richard Fausset, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
In addition to medical marijuana, there is significant support for decriminalizing cannabis possession.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
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.
Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025
During his 2024 campaign, President-elect Trump expressed support for rescheduling and decriminalizing marijuana.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025
Conservative politicians have taken to blaming casual consumers, including marijuana smokers, for supporting a deadly industry at a time when some governments in the Americas and Europe have decriminalized or legalized cannabis.
—Richard Fausset, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
In addition to medical marijuana, there is significant support for decriminalizing cannabis possession.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
Cite this Entry
“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
decriminalize
transitive verb
de·crim·i·nal·ize
dē-ˈkri-mən-ᵊl-ˌīz
decriminalized; decriminalizing
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share