LEGALIZED Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

legalized 1 of 2

adjective

as in legal

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legalized

2 of 2

verb

past tense of legalize

as in sanctioned

to make (something) legal They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.

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Dissimilar Words

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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 legalized

Verb

According to Thomas, another challenge in the analysis was Connecticut’s location and its proximity to states like Massachusetts, where cannabis was legalized for recreational purposes a decade ago. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026 This has been a running thing for a few years now, ever since weed was legalized in New York City. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The new legal framework, published in the Official Gazette, is the deepest overhaul of the island’s private sector since small and medium enterprises were legalized in 2021. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 Medical cannabis was legalized in Thailand in 2022 and dispensaries have become common in Thai cities. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Recently, Capifali helped guide the Johnson administration through a tiff with aldermen who legalized video gambling terminals over the mayor’s objections. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Currently, 39 states along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico offer legalized sports betting but with various restrictions and licensing procedures that traditional sportsbooks run by the likes of DraftKings and FanDuel must follow. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Congress legalized home brewing in 1978 Occasional efforts in recent years to change the law failed to gain traction. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 The money went to Hope Florida, a charity championed by the governor’s wife, and ended up in political committees that opposed the 2024 referendum that would have legalized adult use of marijuana in Florida. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalized

Adjective

Jury nullification is not a legal right so much as a practical power.

— Monu Bedi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
The move adds Missouri to a contentious legal battle between states and the federal government over who has authority to regulate prediction markets, which allow users to bet on the outcome of events ranging from sports, elections, and the weather.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of legal

Verb

Like other death row dramas including Clemency, Just Mercy and Dead Man Walking, this film questions whether there’s really that big a difference between murderous cruelty and state-sanctioned capital punishment.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
During that period, Kremlev began taking part in meetings of the ultra-nationalist pro-Putin biker gang, the Night Wolves, which were later sanctioned by the United States for their role in Russia’s invasion of Crimea.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of sanctioned

Adjective

Qaradawi defended Palestinian suicide bombings of Israeli civilians as a legitimate form of resistance.

— Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
El-Sayed keeps trying to claim Piker is an irrelevant distraction, but the company one keeps is a legitimate consideration for voters.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of legitimate

Verb

But Dunnigan, who started opposite Zechariah Poyser, permitted four of five passes in his coverage area to be caught for 90 yards on Friday – including a 49-yard reception by Jack Foley.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
Rodriguez permitted three runs on eight hits over 6 2/3 innings.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of permitted

Verb

The vaccine is licensed for use against Ebola virus disease caused by the Zaire strain -- a different, more common type of Ebola virus.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
Details of how to run the syndicate were left to its members — insurers licensed to operate in California who would share in the plan’s profits and losses.

— Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of licensed

Verb

This time at the Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations for a check-in to determine, again, whether he would be allowed to pursue a case or be forced to leave the country.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Instead, 243 of the only 279 yards the defense allowed came through the air, including seven passing plays of at least 15 yards.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of allowed

Verb

The Senate on its 10th try also approved a war powers resolution to end the conflict, but GOP senators quickly reversed course the next day after Trump berated them during a closed-door lunch.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
If the school's proposal is approved and passes through the city's protocols, school officials said the athletic field and neighborhood lights could go in by summer 2027 and new building renovations would begin by 2028.

— Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of approved

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“Legalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalized. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of legalized

adjective

verb

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