as in legal
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as in sanctioned
to make (something) legal
They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.
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Recent Examples of legalized
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
Two states — Oregon and Colorado — have legalized psychedelic therapy with psilocybin.
—Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
Two states — Oregon and Colorado — have legalized psychedelic therapy with psilocybin.
—ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
The Knesset recently legalized the death penalty for Arabs who murder Jews, but not for the hoodlum Israeli settlers who have been killing West Bank residents to seize their land.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
The 2018 Farm Bill, for instance, legalized hemp, a non-psychoactive derivative of the cannabis plant used to make textiles, rope and other consumer goods.
—William Garriott, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
It’s been nearly a decade since California voters legalized recreational cannabis, but production and sales remain outlawed in most of the state — and the black market dominates.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Roman Emperor Constantine legalized the religion in 313.
—Joëlle Rollo-Koster, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
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
Verb
Since medical marijuana was legalized there, an entire industry has sprung up seemingly overnight — scrappy, local, women-focused and driven by a can-do ethos that could only happen in America’s heartland.
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
Two states — Oregon and Colorado — have legalized psychedelic therapy with psilocybin.
—Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
Two states — Oregon and Colorado — have legalized psychedelic therapy with psilocybin.
—ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
The Knesset recently legalized the death penalty for Arabs who murder Jews, but not for the hoodlum Israeli settlers who have been killing West Bank residents to seize their land.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
The 2018 Farm Bill, for instance, legalized hemp, a non-psychoactive derivative of the cannabis plant used to make textiles, rope and other consumer goods.
—William Garriott, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
It’s been nearly a decade since California voters legalized recreational cannabis, but production and sales remain outlawed in most of the state — and the black market dominates.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Roman Emperor Constantine legalized the religion in 313.
—Joëlle Rollo-Koster, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalized
Adjective
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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
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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
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As of the end of 2025, the walls of Atlanta feature more than 2,000 murals and sanctioned graffiti pieces.—
Arthur Rudick,
AJC.com,
20 Apr. 2026
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The European Union first sanctioned him in 2008, and imposed parallel sanctions in 2022 over the use of live ammunition, arbitrary detention of protesters and journalists, and the violent suppression of demonstrations.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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Some A-frame digital signs could also be permitted for businesses.—
Conor McGill,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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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
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Hegseth said the company must allow for any uses the Pentagon deemed lawful.—
Josh Boak,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
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While law enforcement credits the cameras for significant drops in crime, critics say the cameras violate privacy rights, create databases of persons engaged in lawful activities, and allow for the sharing of data across jurisdictions.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Inspired by America's favorite pastime, these tools feature patented bat-handle designs and officially licensed MLB branding.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
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Shaknovsky, who had been licensed to practice medicine in several states, had his Florida license suspended about a month after Bryan’s death.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After entering the game tied at 3 in the ninth, Mets closer Devin Williams allowed two runs in a disastrous final frame to fall to the Twins 5-3 and record their 12th loss in a row, their longest streak since 2002.—
James O'Connell,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
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The Hawks only allowed five runs in two games behind the pitching of Pelz, Yario and Colaizzi.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Polish Remover Wipes are TSA-approved and great for travel.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
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After his 2022 bankruptcy petition was approved, Gurliacci rejoined the work force, hopping to six Georgia law enforcement agencies within three years, each time resigning before moving on, records obtained by AP show.—
Ryan J. Foley,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Legalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalized. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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