legalize

verb

le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz How to pronounce legalize (audio)
legalized; legalizing

transitive verb

: to make legal
especially : to give legal validity or sanction to
legalization noun
legalizer noun

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
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.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the sale of hemp and cannabinoids extracted from it, like THCA, delta-8, HHC, THCV and CBD. Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025 City of Yes passed at the end of last year, promising to create more than 80,000 new homes over 15 years, in part by legalizing the creation of apartments in people’s backyards or basements of people’s single- and two-family homes. Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 30 Sep. 2025 In 2025, the strategy has shifted to focus more on the states that haven’t legalized. Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2025 Casinos were legalized in Atlantic City in 1976. Helena Wegner, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legalize

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legalize was circa 1652

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legalize. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

legalize

verb
le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz How to pronounce legalize (audio)
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
wanted to legalize gambling in their city
legalization noun

Legal Definition

legalize

transitive verb
le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz How to pronounce legalize (audio)
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
especially : to give legal validity or sanction to
legalization noun
legalizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on legalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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