as in to permit
to make (something) legal
They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.
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Recent Examples of legalize
Tusk’s government came to power with a promise to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples.
—
Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
When Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing hemp, Gordon found an additional path for the farm.
—William Deffaa, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
The Minnesota House approved a pilot program that would legalize psychedelic mushrooms in the state for therapeutic use.
—Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 8 May 2026
Critics of the petition process often compare the Missouri Constitution to a thick book that can be updated with few hurdles, such as the 39 pages added after voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2022.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for legalize
Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
When Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing hemp, Gordon found an additional path for the farm.
—William Deffaa, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
The Minnesota House approved a pilot program that would legalize psychedelic mushrooms in the state for therapeutic use.
—Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 8 May 2026
Critics of the petition process often compare the Missouri Constitution to a thick book that can be updated with few hurdles, such as the 39 pages added after voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2022.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for legalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalize
Verb
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California is now speeding review for large-scale renewable energy projects through a new fast-track permitting program that does not require sign-off from county and municipal governments — a fast-track process that Church has criticized.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2026
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Interest in allowing the Pride flag to fly on village flagpoles last year sparked passionate debate at village board meetings before trustees ultimately voted down the request amid concerns about permitting some flags but not others.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
Verb
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The latter channel was sanctioned on a number of occasions by French TV watchdog Arcom for disinformation and regularly criticized for a lack of plurality in it guests.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
17 May 2026
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The organization is still sanctioned by the United Nations, the United Kingdom, Japan and New Zealand, among other countries.—
Emily Feng,
NPR,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Starter Anthony Kay helped the Sox complete a three-game sweep, allowing two runs over a career-high six-plus innings.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
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If the Jets defense can improve from allowing the second-most points in the league to average, the Jets could flirt with making a playoff bid in 2026.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The move made Arctos the only firm approved to invest in all five major American men’s leagues.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
20 May 2026
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Senators approved a motion to discharge the resolution from committee in a 50 to 47 vote.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Building Mercury Bank The charter, which Akhund says may be ready for final approval in 2027 as Mercury builds its products and internal controls, will enable the firm to keep more revenue for itself.—
Hugh Son,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
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The new Gen-2 hand, named Flex 2, combines multiple actuation technologies in a hybrid drive system, enabling it to handle objects with different shapes, textures, and levels of fragility more effectively.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Arturo Holmes | Getty Images Authentic generates about $38 billion in systemwide retail sales and has become a major force in the retail industry, known for buying the intellectual property behind popular brands that are distressed or bankrupt and licensing that IP for lucrative royalties.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
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About The Medical Team One of the reasons Istanbul Vita is recognized as a respected hair transplant clinic in Turkey is that the clinic has 4 qualified and licensed doctors with extensive professional experience in hair transplantation.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Legalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalize. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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