legalize
verb
le·gal·ize
ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz 
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
especially
: to give legal validity or sanction to
Examples of legalize in a Sentence
They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.
The government has legalized the use of the new drug.
Recent Examples on the Web
The industry has grown since 2019 when the state and legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp, opening the door to products that come in forms like drinks, edibles and vapes that can produce a high and are easily accessible at stores across Texas.
—
Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
The process has allowed Missourians to raise the minimum wage, legalize both recreational and medical marijuana and expand Medicaid in recent years.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Now, Hollister is sharing his story in hopes of encouraging lawmakers in Ohio to legalize medical aid in dying in the state.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
If passed, the MORE Act would remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), effectively legalizing marijuana at the federal level.
—A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legalize
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Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
The process has allowed Missourians to raise the minimum wage, legalize both recreational and medical marijuana and expand Medicaid in recent years.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Now, Hollister is sharing his story in hopes of encouraging lawmakers in Ohio to legalize medical aid in dying in the state.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
If passed, the MORE Act would remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), effectively legalizing marijuana at the federal level.
—A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legalize
Cite this Entry
“Legalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legalize. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
legalize
verb
le·gal·ize
ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
wanted to legalize gambling in their city
Legal Definition
legalize
transitive verb
le·gal·ize
ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
especially
: to give legal validity or sanction to
legalization
noun
legalizer
noun
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