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
Sanders last year to ramp up penalties for trafficking fentanyl also included legislation that decriminalized those test strips.
—
Alex Golden, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
Due to Senate Bill 946, a 2018 law decriminalizing street vending, jurisdictions are permitted to adopt regulations but outright bans are in violation of state law.
—Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2024
This Is It!, one of the oldest gay bars in the country, opened 14 years before Wisconsin decriminalized homosexuality in 1983.
—Quinn Clark, Journal Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2024
In the last four years, the group has worked to decriminalize psychedelics in more than 10 communities across Massachusetts, Maine and California.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decriminalize 
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Alex Golden, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
Due to Senate Bill 946, a 2018 law decriminalizing street vending, jurisdictions are permitted to adopt regulations but outright bans are in violation of state law.
—Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2024
This Is It!, one of the oldest gay bars in the country, opened 14 years before Wisconsin decriminalized homosexuality in 1983.
—Quinn Clark, Journal Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2024
In the last four years, the group has worked to decriminalize psychedelics in more than 10 communities across Massachusetts, Maine and California.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024
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 17 Nov. 2024.
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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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