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
Pennsylvania The Keystone State legalized medical marijuana in 2016 and Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, the state’s former attorney general, is in favor of legalizing recreational cannabis.
—
Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
But now, there’s a new referendum drive to legalize recreational pot, and once again, the invisible hand of Ron DeSantis is cheerlessly throttling the life out of direct democracy.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
With sports gambling legalized throughout much of the country and growing rapidly, the NCAA and the sports gambling industry should be hearing shrill alarm bells in this indictment and acting accordingly.
—Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026
Bob Katter 60 Minutes Bob Katter believes that legalizing crocodile hunting would make waterways safe again - and turn a profit by attracting big game hunters.
—Holly Williams, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legalize
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Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
But now, there’s a new referendum drive to legalize recreational pot, and once again, the invisible hand of Ron DeSantis is cheerlessly throttling the life out of direct democracy.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
With sports gambling legalized throughout much of the country and growing rapidly, the NCAA and the sports gambling industry should be hearing shrill alarm bells in this indictment and acting accordingly.
—Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026
Bob Katter 60 Minutes Bob Katter believes that legalizing crocodile hunting would make waterways safe again - and turn a profit by attracting big game hunters.
—Holly Williams, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legalize
Cite this Entry
“Legalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legalize. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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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