criminalize

verb

ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce criminalize (audio)
Definition of criminalizenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 then, a total of 25 states have criminalized or banned gender-affirming care for minors. — Nina Totenberg, NPR, 30 June 2026 TaniHub, a case critics say criminalized standard market risk. — Chandra Asmara, Fortune, 30 June 2026 Michael Olson, policy counsel for Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, said criminalizing the distribution of sterile syringes is a mistake. — Maya Henry, Oklahoma Watch, 30 June 2026 There was a significant risk before the draw took place that Seattle could host nations that criminalize same-sex relations. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminalize
  1. outlaw
  2. ban
Verb
  • Or even just 62 years to the Civil Rights Act, which outlawed segregation.
    — Susan Bence, NPR, 4 July 2026
  • The ordinance that restricts yoga instruction at city parks does not outlaw teaching other subjects including tai chi and Shakespeare, the city has conceded in court proceedings.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of outlaw
Verb
  • A number of Russian regions have banned the use of large canisters that hold around five gallons to prevent fuel hoarding.
    — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Twenty-seven states currently have laws banning trans girls and women from participating against cisgender women and girls.
    — Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of ban

Browse Nearby Words

criminality
criminalize
criminalized
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Cite this Entry

“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminalize. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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