Synonyms of criminalize

criminalize

verb

ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 

as in to outlaw

to make or declare contrary to the law

wanted to criminalize an activity that the mountaineers had been engaging in for generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• outlaw
• ban
• illegalize
• prohibit
• forbid
• proscribe
• enjoin
• interdict
• bar

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• let
• legalize
• permit
• allow
• decriminalize
• suffer
• approve
• endorse
• sanction

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of criminalize

The militarized cities and the unconstitutional laws that criminalize dissent betray the fear of a dehumanizing system faced with the strength of a conscious and determined community. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026

Iranian politicians are divided over a move by the country’s parliament to approve a bill that would criminalize communications with media outlets deemed hostile to the Islamic Republic. — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

This entails criminalizing everyday life and everyday forms of community. — Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026

Global human rights groups have criticized the jailing of the journalists and the denial of bail, asking the government to drop the charges against them and stop criminalizing news reporting. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026