as in legal
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
as in sanctioned
to make (something) legal
They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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
Carla Gennaro, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
Three other states, Colorado, New Mexico and Oregon, have legalized psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic use.
—Esme Murphy, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
And then in the subsequent years, 40 states have now legalized sports betting.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 11 Apr. 2026
That’s the same year Florida’s legal online sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, launched, after Tallahassee legalized internet sports betting in 2021.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
In 2020, Oregon legalized psilocybin for supervised use in licensed settings, and Colorado did the same in 2022.
—Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
Since Murphy, 39 states along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have legalized sports betting.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In September, hemp businesses collected signatures to repeal the constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana and replace it with regulations that are no more burdensome than regulations for alcohol and tobacco.
—Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026
When my parents married in 1977, my mother legalized his status.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
In Colorado, calls for help to the gambling addiction hotline have jumped by nearly 50% in the first year after sports betting was legalized.
—Carla Gennaro, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
Three other states, Colorado, New Mexico and Oregon, have legalized psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic use.
—Esme Murphy, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
And then in the subsequent years, 40 states have now legalized sports betting.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 11 Apr. 2026
That’s the same year Florida’s legal online sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, launched, after Tallahassee legalized internet sports betting in 2021.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
In 2020, Oregon legalized psilocybin for supervised use in licensed settings, and Colorado did the same in 2022.
—Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
Since Murphy, 39 states along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have legalized sports betting.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In September, hemp businesses collected signatures to repeal the constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana and replace it with regulations that are no more burdensome than regulations for alcohol and tobacco.
—Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026
When my parents married in 1977, my mother legalized his status.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalized
Adjective
-
Urban Prep, meanwhile, is embroiled in a legal battle with CPS to keep its two high schools open in Bronzeville and Englewood amid mounting financial woes.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
But payouts won't be automatic, and legal experts said businesses could face other obstacles getting their money back.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Treasury also sanctioned Diamante Casino, headquartered in the northern city of Tampico - also in Tamaulipas - which operates an online betting site.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
MarineTraffic says the ship has moved sanctioned cargo since 2022.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Wang told Araghchi that the situation has reached a critical juncture between war and peace, and said Iran’s sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights should be respected as a littoral state of the Strait of Hormuz, while freedom of navigation and safety through the strait should be ensured.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Wang Yi told Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a phone call late Wednesday that Iran's sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights should be respected as a littoral state of the Strait of Hormuz, but freedom of navigation and safety through the strait should be ensured.—
April 16,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some A-frame digital signs could also be permitted for businesses.—
Conor McGill,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
This represents the first time that local regional sports networks are no longer permitted to broadcast the opening round.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
He was charged with DUI with property damage, refusal to submit to a lawful urine test and careless driving.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Is this model really halal, or lawful, though?—
Zoe Ligairi,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Chee, a Bay Area optician, has been licensed to work with fireworks in California since 2008, but was ineligible from obtaining a federal explosives permit for his business due to a prior violent felony conviction.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The staff who made up their team are licensed to do individual and group therapy, crisis response and connect high-needs students to services outside the district.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The 6-foot-10 lefty allowed three runs — two scored on his throwing error — in a shaky first before settling down, and striking out four.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Carson Kelly’s three-run home run in the ninth allowed Counsell to stay away from closer Daniel Palencia with the Cubs’ lead extended to six runs.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Polish Remover Wipes are TSA-approved and great for travel.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The stadium plan would still seek state financial support from a sweeping funding package Missouri lawmakers approved last summer in an attempt to keep the team inside its lines.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Legalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalized. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
