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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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of criminalize Since 2023, Missouri’s attorney general and governor have actively tried to eliminate trans healthcare and criminalize doctors who provide gender-affirming care. J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025 The bill would also criminalize those who have abortions, not just the providers who perform the procedure. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 17 June 2025 Yet, for decades, Black communities have been disproportionately criminalized for its use. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 16 June 2025 There have been calls to arrest Governor Newsom for defying the troop deployment—an idea that would equate to criminalizing political opposition. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminalize
Verb
  • In theory, this outlawed the Communist Party of the United States and banned communists from serving in certain roles.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • Texas' new law bans people from purchasing tickets on behalf of another person or selling tickets to another person, effectively outlawing couriers.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump has taken action against the LGBTQ+ community in many ways, like signing an executive order stating that the U.S. only recognizes two genders, a transgender servicemember military ban, and banning transgender athletes from collegiate sports.
    Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
  • If you’re sat in the Royal Enclosure, banned items include strapless or one-shoulder dresses, see-through fabric, midriffs, bow ties, cravats or neckerchiefs.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminalize. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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