decriminalize

Definition of decriminalizenext

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 decriminalize Put aside for a moment the blatant sexism in this bill given that 90% of rapists are men who rape women, and this law effectively decriminalizes rape. Wendy Murphy, Boston Herald, 17 Nov. 2025 Male homosexuality wasn’t decriminalized in Britain until 1967. Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025 Anutin as health minister in the pre-2023 government pushed to decriminalize cannabis, while the Pheu Thai government tried to reverse that. Chad De Guzman, Time, 5 Sep. 2025 While there are at least five bills filed to decriminalize or legalize some form of marijuana, there are also at least two bills filed by other Republicans to outlaw signs advertising marijuana products or businesses in some capacity. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decriminalize
legalize
Verb
  • Pennsylvania The Keystone State legalized medical marijuana in 2016 and Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, the state’s former attorney general, is in favor of legalizing recreational cannabis.
    Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • But now, there’s a new referendum drive to legalize recreational pot, and once again, the invisible hand of Ron DeSantis is cheerlessly throttling the life out of direct democracy.
    Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decriminalize. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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