Synonyms of legislate

legislate

verb

ˈle-jə-ˌslāt 

as in to enact

to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action

wants the Congress to legislate new laws banning the use of these types of weapons

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enact
• pass
• constitute
• approve
• make
• dictate
• ordain
• lay down
• ratify
• authorize
• permit
• sanction
• effect
• proclaim
• bring about
• reenact
• allow
• administer
• execute
• decree
• repass
• confirm

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• repeal
• revoke
• rescind
• abolish
• kill
• cancel
• invalidate
• reverse
• nullify
• abrogate
• annul
• void
• overturn

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of legislate

My job is not to legislate, but to apply the law as written by the General Assembly, ensuring that every bond decision is documented clearly so the public can understand the basis for the court’s actions. —Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026

So if Congress wants that changed, then Congress can legislate. —CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026

Congress still legislates, albeit at a glacial pace. —Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026

In the United States, the states are legislating and enforcing their own AI rules even as the federal government in 2025 moved to prevent state action and loosen the reins. —IEEE Spectrum, 2 Feb. 2026