as in permits
to make (something) legal
They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.
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Recent Examples of legalizes
This day in sports history 1944 — NFL legalizes coaching from bench.
—
Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
In December, the Chicago City Council passed a provision in the 2026 budget that legalizes licensing of unregulated video gambling terminals within the city limits.
—Julie Darling, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
This is in reference to Assembly Bill 720, a new California law which for the first time, legalizes tastings and wine sales at California vineyards.
—Jess Lander, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Feb. 2026
The measure also legalizes possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis concentrates by adults, as well as cannabis edibles containing up to 2,000 milligrams of THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana.
—A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
First, my plan legalizes the ability for any group to purchase insurance collectively and operate across state lines.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
Both medical and recreational use are legal in Colorado, and New Mexico passed a law this year that legalizes certain medical uses.
—Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2025
Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
In December, the Chicago City Council passed a provision in the 2026 budget that legalizes licensing of unregulated video gambling terminals within the city limits.
—Julie Darling, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
This is in reference to Assembly Bill 720, a new California law which for the first time, legalizes tastings and wine sales at California vineyards.
—Jess Lander, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Feb. 2026
The measure also legalizes possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis concentrates by adults, as well as cannabis edibles containing up to 2,000 milligrams of THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana.
—A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
First, my plan legalizes the ability for any group to purchase insurance collectively and operate across state lines.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
Both medical and recreational use are legal in Colorado, and New Mexico passed a law this year that legalizes certain medical uses.
—Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalizes
Verb
-
If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
-
All residential outdoor burn permits across San Diego County will be suspended beginning next month, Cal Fire officials said Friday.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The rule gives the Dodgers some roster flexibility, because teams can only carry a maximum of 13 pitchers on their roster, but Ohtani’s designation essentially allows the Dodgers to carry 14 pitchers.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The set is made from memory foam that allows more airflow, so heat doesn’t get trapped as easily, while the breathable cover adds to that cool feel.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Distributing the estate After debts and taxes are paid, the court reviews the estate’s final accounting and approves the plan for distributing assets to beneficiaries and heirs according to the will.—
Nancy Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Kevin Warsh, whom Trump nominated in January to succeed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, can’t get to the Fed without going through Republican Senator Thom Tillis, a key member of the Senate Banking Committee that approves all Fed nominations.—
Phil Mattingly,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For starters the World Cup is run by the same organization, FIFA, which sanctions virtually every level of soccer globally, from the men’s and women’s World Cups, to confederation competitions including the UEFA Championships and the Copa América, to most major age-group tournaments.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
-
An autocratic government that sanctions violence.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But Erwin is bullish about AI being a tool that enables the industry to survive.—
Julia Boorstin,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The battery tech is also slightly different in each aircraft, with the VoloXPro offering a modular system that enables three battery configurations.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The writers got the studios to agree to alert the union if a studio licenses writers’ work for AI training and continue holding meetings with the union on implementation.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
26 Apr. 2026
-
But Pint confirmed that the company only licenses consumer-facing products.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Margo accepts the invitation and then goes into Susie’s room to work.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The doctor, a plastic surgeon, often operates at an outpatient surgical center, but only accepts insurance for gender-affirming procedures performed at a local hospital, Memorial Health.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The budget resolution authorizes the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees to draft legislation to increase spending by up to $70 billion each, which would be used to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and parts of Customs and Border Protection.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The city’s proposal authorizes Vasquez to apply for funding from a sweeping stadium financing package Kehoe signed into law last summer in addition to state tax credits.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Legalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalizes. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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