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
Believe it or not, a few years ago, Oregon voters approved a first-of-its-kind law, Measure 110, to decriminalize all hard drugs — including cocaine, meth and opioids like heroin and fentanyl.
—
Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2025
Florida is one of 15 states that legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes but has yet to decriminalize recreational use.
—Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 3 Feb. 2025
In recent years, dozens of US states and countries ranging from Canada to Portugal have decriminalized marijuana.
—Rebecca Wright, CNN, 19 Oct. 2024
Since the passing of legislation, like Senate Bill 946, which decriminalized sidewalk vending, the county has seen an uptick in these businesses, the ordinance states.
—Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for decriminalize 
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Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2025
Florida is one of 15 states that legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes but has yet to decriminalize recreational use.
—Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 3 Feb. 2025
In recent years, dozens of US states and countries ranging from Canada to Portugal have decriminalized marijuana.
—Rebecca Wright, CNN, 19 Oct. 2024
Since the passing of legislation, like Senate Bill 946, which decriminalized sidewalk vending, the county has seen an uptick in these businesses, the ordinance states.
—Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for decriminalize
Dictionary Entries Near decriminalize
Cite this Entry
“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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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
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