Synonyms of criminalize

criminalize

verb

ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 

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

• outlaw
• ban
• illegalize
• prohibit
• forbid
• proscribe
• enjoin
• interdict
• bar

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• let
• legalize
• permit
• allow
• decriminalize
• suffer
• approve
• endorse
• sanction

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of criminalize

Existing law still criminalizes appearing in public without an Islamic hijab. — Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Laws used to criminalize dissent remain in force, intelligence and security agencies retain essentially the same structures and practices, and authorities have taken no steps to disarm or dismantle the colectivos. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

Pollari wrote much of the rock song in Polari, which is a historical British cant invented by gay men to speak openly in public while homosexuality was criminalized between the 16th and 19th centuries. — Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

The militarized cities and the unconstitutional laws that criminalize dissent betray the fear of a dehumanizing system faced with the strength of a conscious and determined community. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026