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
Marijuana-specific restrictions in the city code were voted into effect in April 2023, months after the state of Missouri voted to legalize recreational use.
—
Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
According to the American Medical Association, online searches related to seeking help for gambling addiction have increased 23% since a 2018 Supreme Court decision paved the way for states to legalize sports betting.
—Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
There are also fewer legal resources to help deported migrants legalize their status compared to other parts of Mexico.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Aldermen legalized video gambling machines in neighborhood establishments, restructured liquor taxes to bring in more revenue, cleared the way for advertising on downtown bridges and more.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legalize
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Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
According to the American Medical Association, online searches related to seeking help for gambling addiction have increased 23% since a 2018 Supreme Court decision paved the way for states to legalize sports betting.
—Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
There are also fewer legal resources to help deported migrants legalize their status compared to other parts of Mexico.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Aldermen legalized video gambling machines in neighborhood establishments, restructured liquor taxes to bring in more revenue, cleared the way for advertising on downtown bridges and more.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 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 11 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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