as in to permit
to make (something) legal
They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of legalize
But since New Mexico legalized recreational pot in 2021 El Pasoans can simply cross the state line and find some 20 upscale dispensaries in the city of Sunland Park.
—
John Burnett, NPR, 13 Jan. 2025
In recent decades, marijuana became far more accessible as 39 states sanctioned its medical use and 24 states legalized recreational weed.
—Ernesto Londoño, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025
The 2018 federal Farm Bill and companion legislation passed in Tennessee legalized hemp and its derivatives and distinguished the crop from marijuana.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
To take an easy example, while federal law may prohibit the use, possession and sale of marijuana, California can and has created laws legalizing cannabis within our state, and, while complications come with that dichotomy, weed legalization here has occurred with relatively few problems.
—The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for legalize 
John Burnett, NPR, 13 Jan. 2025
In recent decades, marijuana became far more accessible as 39 states sanctioned its medical use and 24 states legalized recreational weed.
—Ernesto Londoño, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025
The 2018 federal Farm Bill and companion legislation passed in Tennessee legalized hemp and its derivatives and distinguished the crop from marijuana.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
To take an easy example, while federal law may prohibit the use, possession and sale of marijuana, California can and has created laws legalizing cannabis within our state, and, while complications come with that dichotomy, weed legalization here has occurred with relatively few problems.
—The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for legalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalize
Verb
-
At the same time, then-President Joe Biden eased American sanctions on Syria, allowing humanitarian groups to operate in the country and permitting energy sales.—
Warren P. Strobel,
arkansasonline.com,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Millions of them file tax returns every year, paying for benefits they're not permitted to use.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
26 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The takeover of Goma is yet another territorial gain for the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) rebel coalition, which includes the M23 armed group – sanctioned by the United States and the United Nations.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Madrid will also not sanction a January loan unless something dramatic happens.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The auction is held through third-party platforms authorized by the IRS, allowing bidders to participate online.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
-
Removing two of the four commissioners did away with the quorum that allows the E.E.O.C. to fulfill many of its functions.—
E. Tammy Kim,
The New Yorker,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
House approves bill for president search The Arkansas House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bill to allow Northwest Technical Institute's board of trustees to appoint a president who has a background in industry rather coming from the world of higher education.—
Michael R. Wickline,
arkansasonline.com,
24 Jan. 2025
-
The move requires health agencies to have all external communications approved by a presidential appointee before issuing them and is expected to last through the end of January, CNN reported.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
In 2017, rocketing demand enabled the Rwanda Development Board to double the price of their daily gorilla-tracking permit to a hefty $1,500 to generate more revenue for conservation.—
Alexandra Owens,
Robb Report,
23 Jan. 2025
-
This change enabled her to view her development as planned and targeted. 2.—
Tinna Jackson,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Trump has long licensed out his name to sell everything from steaks to condos to real estate courses, such as at the now-defunct Trump University.—
Michelle Conlin and Tom Wilson,
USA TODAY,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Businesses can’t ask for documentation showing the animal is registered, licensed or certified as a service animal, the ADA says.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
That gets answered easily, because there is always a Producer – the same person who should be accepting the Oscar for Best Picture should the movie win that accolade.—
Cathy Schulman,
Deadline,
25 Jan. 2025
-
In accepting her trophy, Satter talked a lot about family, both at the Institute and her own.—
Chris Gardner,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to legalize
Thesaurus Entries Near legalize
Cite this Entry
“Legalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalize. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share