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
Smith pointed to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in late 2024, which found that in states where marijuana was legalized, adolescent use decreased.
—
Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
While in office, Olson tried unsuccessfully to sell GOP leadership on the idea of legalizing medical marijuana.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
As of 2025, half of US states have legalized recreational adult use and/or medical programs.
—Carly Fisher, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Then, in 2018, when a landmark Supreme Court decision allowed other states to legalize bookmaking, the scope of sports gambling grew exponentially.
—Danny Funt, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legalize
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Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
While in office, Olson tried unsuccessfully to sell GOP leadership on the idea of legalizing medical marijuana.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
As of 2025, half of US states have legalized recreational adult use and/or medical programs.
—Carly Fisher, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Then, in 2018, when a landmark Supreme Court decision allowed other states to legalize bookmaking, the scope of sports gambling grew exponentially.
—Danny Funt, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 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 3 Nov. 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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