LEGALIZATION Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

legalization

noun

Definition of legalization

as in validation

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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 legalization FanDuel and DraftKings recently created their own prediction-market apps, which have enabled them to bring sports betting to Texas and California, where legalization has stalled. — New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026 The questions ranged from eliminating political party primaries to reversing marijuana legalization to repealing a gun reform law in the state. — Digital Producer, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026 But important details of legalization remain to be worked out, even with Democratic control. — Daniel J. Mallinson, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2026 The move comes months after a push to put medical marijuana legalization to voters failed to garner enough signatures to gain inclusion on Tuesday’s ballot. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Nov. 2026 And the state has much to gain from legalization—the biggest selling point being the possibility of generating additional tax revenue. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2026 Under legalization, frequent bettors also reduce investments by over 50 percent, while bankruptcies jump by 10 percent. — Josh Appel, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalization

Noun

Her victory served as validation for Democrats' long deferred dream that demographic changes in the state would be followed by a shift in political power.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
The grant money will be used to purchase equipment and software and pursue validation of equipment and testing.

— Susan Sarkauskas, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of validation

Noun

Acknowledging that most civil law now permits legitimization after the fact, some jurisdictions still discriminate against a child born out of wedlock.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026
Live Aid was the final step in the legitimization of MTV.

— tom freston, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2025

Definition of legitimization

Noun

In this way, modern Druidry represents an example of how practitioners of new religious movements look to the distant past as a source for meaning, inspiration, and legitimation.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
In August 2025, attorneys filed an emergency petition for legitimation and custody in DeKalb County Superior Court.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025

Definition of legitimation

Noun

And if Democrats take the Senate as well on Tuesday, party-line legislation to circumvent the filibuster should be on the table, Casar said.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
But since daylight saving time has ended, enacting the law now would mean an immediate one-hour time jump forward across the country, barring changes to the legislation.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of legislation

Noun

Higher fuel prices and transportation costs, along with the ratification of a new contract with its airline pilots that cost roughly $100 million, were the main culprits.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
The city attorney will finalize the formal contract for future council ratification.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ratification

Noun

The decade fueled the founding of Tate Modern and Frieze London in the early 2000s, and has led to London’s current position as a nexus of international artists and remarkable historic and contemporary art spaces.

— Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Since its founding in 2023, Unwell has expanded into a media and entertainment company focused on Gen Z women.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of founding

Noun

Although the businesses competed in different contests, their recognition highlights the support local establishments can receive from their communities.

— CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
If El-Sayed loses, there will be a fight over blame between Democrats who spent tens of millions of dollars to support him and progressives who’ll argue that the party establishment can’t be trusted when leftist candidates win a nomination.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of establishment

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“Legalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalization. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of legalization

noun

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