decriminalize
verb
de·crim·i·nal·ize
(ˌ)dē-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 
-ˈkrim-nəl-
decriminalized; decriminalizing; decriminalizes
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of
especially
: to repeal a strict ban on while keeping under some form of regulation
decriminalize the possession of marijuana
Examples of decriminalize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2022, state lawmakers decriminalized loitering with the intent to commit prostitution in California.
—
Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
If enacted, the bill would make Colorado the only state in America to completely decriminalize the world’s oldest profession.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
The Democratic Socialists of America’s national platform, which Mamdani ran on and believes in, includes calls to decriminalize hard drugs, defund or abolish policing, and dismantle charter schools, despite high demand in communities of color.
—Darius Jones, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
Coloradans had just decriminalized psilocybin.
—Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
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.
Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
If enacted, the bill would make Colorado the only state in America to completely decriminalize the world’s oldest profession.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
The Democratic Socialists of America’s national platform, which Mamdani ran on and believes in, includes calls to decriminalize hard drugs, defund or abolish policing, and dismantle charter schools, despite high demand in communities of color.
—Darius Jones, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
Coloradans had just decriminalized psilocybin.
—Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
Cite this Entry
“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
decriminalize
transitive verb
de·crim·i·nal·ize
dē-ˈkri-mən-ᵊl-ˌīz
decriminalized; decriminalizing
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
