as in sanctioned
to make (something) legal
They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.
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as in legal
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of legalized
Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Casinos were legalized in Atlantic City in 1976.
—Helena Wegner, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2025
Two years ago, Australia legalized prescriptions of MDMA and psilocybin for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
—Soph Warnes, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
For the first time since recreational marijuana was legalized nearly a decade ago, more people are leaving the state’s cannabis industry than entering it.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 22 Sep. 2025
This is legalized economic sabotage by another name.
—Andrew King, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
The Red Flag Law legalized the use of what’s formally called Extreme Risk Protection orders (ERPOs).
—Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
Three other states − Idaho, Mississippi, and Oklahoma − have legalized firing squads as an execution method.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp for industrial purposes, some manufacturers have exploited a loophole to create compounds similar to recreational cannabis THC and sell them legally as hemp products.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
In 2025, the strategy has shifted to focus more on the states that haven’t legalized.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Casinos were legalized in Atlantic City in 1976.
—Helena Wegner, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2025
Two years ago, Australia legalized prescriptions of MDMA and psilocybin for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
—Soph Warnes, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
For the first time since recreational marijuana was legalized nearly a decade ago, more people are leaving the state’s cannabis industry than entering it.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 22 Sep. 2025
This is legalized economic sabotage by another name.
—Andrew King, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
The Red Flag Law legalized the use of what’s formally called Extreme Risk Protection orders (ERPOs).
—Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
Three other states − Idaho, Mississippi, and Oklahoma − have legalized firing squads as an execution method.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp for industrial purposes, some manufacturers have exploited a loophole to create compounds similar to recreational cannabis THC and sell them legally as hemp products.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalized
Verb
-
The Boracay, which has been sanctioned by Britain and the European Union, left the Russian port of Primorsk on September 20, according to MarineTraffic data.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
-
None of these events are sanctioned or promoted by Swift or her team.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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VPNs are legal to use across the United States but there are bans in place in some parts of the world.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The investigation began after revelations, first reported by the Herald/Times, that the DeSantis administration directed $10 million from a legal settlement with the Medicaid contractor Centene through the foundation for political purposes.—
Lawrence Mower,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Cubans were also permitted for the first time in decades to own their own land, grow food and sell it at markets, setting their own prices within limits.—
Joseph J. Gonzalez,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Halloween-style may not to be worn upon entry and in concourses but will be permitted when guests are in seats.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Scammers will call or text consumers claiming to be a legitimate institution, such as a bank or a government institution.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The anxiety and fear that people bring to my office and to the delivery room about the many uncertainties associated with pregnancy and childbirth is palpable and legitimate.—
Tami S. Rowen,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For casual fare, follow the path down to the hut-like fishery, the only spot licensed to fish the lake’s pristine waters.—
Siobhan Reid,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
-
No injuries, shots reported Espinosa faced several charges in the crash, including reckless homicide, failure to stop after a fatal crash and operating a vehicle while never licensed, but fled the state and has been on the run since.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
According to the complaint, both Collins and Robledo carried 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistols to the protests and have lawful permits for the weapons.—
Bill Kirkos,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Collins and Robledo were in possession of semiautomatic pistols at the protest but had lawful permits to carry the firearms, according to court documents.—
Mason Leath,
ABC News,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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It was built as part of a $44 million sports complex paid for with a bond approved by school district voters in 2020.—
John Wisely,
Freep.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The city's Design Review Board approved the design in December 2024.—
Bridget Fogarty,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Luzardo allowed a single on a 2-2 changeup, then a single on a 2-1 sweeper to right field that Castellanos played into a double.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
All legal fishing methods are allowed including bowfishing.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Legalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalized. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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