decriminalize

verb

Definition of decriminalizenext
as in to legalize

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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 And for years, Sacramento basically decriminalized all of it. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 6 May 2026 However, neither the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment nor the Department of Revenue currently has funding to do the same for psychedelics, which were legalized and decriminalized in 2022. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 May 2026 Proponents of legalizing marijuana as well as overhauling prison sentencing say this order, which does not completely decriminalize the drug, benefits only cannabis researchers, growers and others in Big Weed. — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 In 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first American city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. — Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decriminalize
legalize
Verb
  • Idaho lawmakers passed a joint resolution last year to put a constitutional amendment before voters, asking them to allow only the Legislature, not the voters, the power to legalize marijuana, narcotics and other psychoactive drugs.
    — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2026
  • Activists tried to legalize medical cannabis and decriminalize possession of adult-use cannabis through the ballot a few years ago, but all the initiatives failed.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of legalize

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decries
decriminalize
decriminalized
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Cite this Entry

“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decriminalize. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of decriminalize for Spanish Speakers

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