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
Both medical and recreational use are legal in Colorado, and New Mexico passed a law this year that legalizes certain medical uses.
—
Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2025
Cannabis consumption has become more widespread since more countries have legalized or decriminalized its use.
—New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2025
Officials are now working on drafting new rules and licensing regulations that would change that, creating a new type of marijuana business allowed in the city after voters legalized recreational marijuana statewide in 2022.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
The possible order comes after the Texas Legislature adjourned a second special session without passing new regulations on the industry that has boomed since Texas legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp in 2019.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legalize
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Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2025
Cannabis consumption has become more widespread since more countries have legalized or decriminalized its use.
—New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2025
Officials are now working on drafting new rules and licensing regulations that would change that, creating a new type of marijuana business allowed in the city after voters legalized recreational marijuana statewide in 2022.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
The possible order comes after the Texas Legislature adjourned a second special session without passing new regulations on the industry that has boomed since Texas legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp in 2019.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 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 14 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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