as in to outlaw
to make or declare contrary to the law
a bill that would illegalize the private use of fireworks
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 illegalize
Basis for the suit to illegalize the union, lawyers explained, is the difference in race between the participants.
—
sandiegouniontribune.com, 28 Feb. 2018
Rather than negotiating a political agreement, Madrid decided to illegalize Basque political parties allegedly linked with terrorism and to prosecute their leaders.
—Sergi Pardos-Prado, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2017
The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act, a bill focused on illegalizing any conversion therapy that charges money, was filed in the U.S. Senate in April.
—Joseph Frankel, The Atlantic, 10 July 2017
sandiegouniontribune.com, 28 Feb. 2018
Rather than negotiating a political agreement, Madrid decided to illegalize Basque political parties allegedly linked with terrorism and to prosecute their leaders.
—Sergi Pardos-Prado, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2017
The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act, a bill focused on illegalizing any conversion therapy that charges money, was filed in the U.S. Senate in April.
—Joseph Frankel, The Atlantic, 10 July 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illegalize
Verb
-
But some lawmakers in the State Affairs Committee bristled at the idea of outlawing all city and county flags.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Chicago aldermen approved a sweeping ban outlawing unlicensed businesses in the city from selling all but a few hemp products.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This past fall, there were reports that the Justice Department was considering proposals to ban trans people from purchasing guns.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Morrell said that the city cannot ban data center developments permanently without a definition.—
Aliana Mediratta,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illegalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illegalize. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
