as in to outlaw
to make or declare contrary to the law
wanted to criminalize an activity that the mountaineers had been engaging in for generations
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Recent Examples of criminalize
The president also signed an order directing the Justice Department to investigate instances of flag burning for possible charges, despite a 1989 Supreme Court ruling that the government cannot criminalize destruction of an American flag when done as an act of expression.
—
Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2025
In a place like Ermelo, where coal is a cornerstone of the economy, this could criminalize entire communities.
—Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 23 Aug. 2025
Because of the revolts, Compton says, drumming and African spiritual practices were eventually criminalized in the colonies.
—Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025
The bill's sponsor said it was designed to criminalize large scale immigrant smuggling operations.
—Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2025
In a place like Ermelo, where coal is a cornerstone of the economy, this could criminalize entire communities.
—Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 23 Aug. 2025
Because of the revolts, Compton says, drumming and African spiritual practices were eventually criminalized in the colonies.
—Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025
The bill's sponsor said it was designed to criminalize large scale immigrant smuggling operations.
—Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminalize
Verb
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That’s particularly the case in California, where affirmative action has been outlawed since 1996.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Aug. 2025
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On May 21, Danika Globokar, the park’s acting deputy superintendent, signed a new rule outlawing the display of large flags, banners and signs at El Capitan, according to the Times.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Frey urged Minneapolis politicians to lead the call to ban assault weapons, saying the issue has not moved in years at any level.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
29 Aug. 2025
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States such as Utah and Florida have banned fluoride in public drinking water, while scientists and dental health organizations have warned that Kennedy's plan is disastrous for public health.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminalize. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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