as in to permit
to make (something) legal
They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of legalize
Kentucky lawmakers legalized charter schools in the state in 2017 but did not put long-term funding toward them.
—
Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
First came a 2018 Supreme Court decision that paved a path for states to legalize gambling on leagues such as football, basketball, and baseball.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026
In recent months, Israel has greatly expanded construction in Jewish settlements, legalized outposts and made significant bureaucratic changes to its policies in the territory to strengthen its hold and weaken the Palestinian Authority.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
Currently, Nevada is the only state where prostitution is fully legalized.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legalize
Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
First came a 2018 Supreme Court decision that paved a path for states to legalize gambling on leagues such as football, basketball, and baseball.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026
In recent months, Israel has greatly expanded construction in Jewish settlements, legalized outposts and made significant bureaucratic changes to its policies in the territory to strengthen its hold and weaken the Palestinian Authority.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
Currently, Nevada is the only state where prostitution is fully legalized.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalize
Verb
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Guide dogs and service animals are permitted.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission would lose its authority to issue licenses permitting facilities to allow simulcast dog races starting July 1, 2027.—
Stephen Gruber-Miller,
Des Moines Register,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Orbán has frequently threatened to scuttle the bloc’s efforts to sanction Moscow over its invasion, and has decried attempts to hit Russia’s energy revenues that help finance the war.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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Athenians enjoyed democracy at home while sanctioning brutal conquest abroad.—
Carol Quillen,
Time,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Rather than allowing a single hero product to dominate, Safdie expanded the narrative across collections, pushing further into tailoring and Old Hollywood references.—
Amy Francombe,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
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In Idaho, the defense strategy in a homicide case requires a judge to allow the claim to be made to jurors.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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If Kelesis is not approved or his nomination is withdrawn, Chattah can keep serving for 210 days, Lee argued.—
JESSICA HILL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
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The Food and Drug Administration will consider whether to approve Moderna’s new flu vaccine after all, resolving a dispute that had blocked the company’s application for the first-of-its-kind shot.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The increasing ubiquity of K-beauty products outside Korea is also enabling a broader following.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Decades of levees and shipping channels destroyed protective ecosystems, leaving the region vulnerable to hurricanes; the closure of a key canal is enabling restoration.—
Melina Walling,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In 2025, it was revealed that Clark and the MLBPA were subjects of a federal investigation regarding revenue from licensing agreements.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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There must be one seat/space per person, and licensed standing areas must not impact the viewing standards or other fans, including disabled supporters.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Legalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalize. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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