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
His attempts to chip away at the laws of the land and our personal freedoms, and to criminalize dissent, are making our country unrecognizable.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025
The bipartisan legislation introduced by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) would criminalize U.S. citizens or companies for complying with or supporting boycotts called for by IGOs, such as the United Nations or the European Union.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 5 May 2025
Rather than provide meaningful help, many governments have opted to criminalize homelessness instead.
—Ericka Taylor, NPR, 4 June 2025
Once criminalized, the Gombey is now a symbol of celebration and pride.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025
The bipartisan legislation introduced by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) would criminalize U.S. citizens or companies for complying with or supporting boycotts called for by IGOs, such as the United Nations or the European Union.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 5 May 2025
Rather than provide meaningful help, many governments have opted to criminalize homelessness instead.
—Ericka Taylor, NPR, 4 June 2025
Once criminalized, the Gombey is now a symbol of celebration and pride.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminalize
Verb
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Routine use of the military is outlawed under the Posse Comitatus Act, except where explicitly authorized by law.—
William Hartung,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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In 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court effectively outlawed LGBTQ+ activism.—
Chris Megerian,
Twin Cities,
6 June 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminalize. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.
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