LEGALIZES Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

legalizes

verb

present tense third-person singular of legalize

as in permits

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

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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 legalizes Senate Bill 6 legalizes possession of fentanyl testing strips, which can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl and help prevent overdoses. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 June 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalizes

Verb

The structure permits that disagreement to be expressed numerically.

— Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Some require permits booked months in advance, while others cap daily hikers to protect the trail.

— Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

Definition of permits

Verb

Identifying those nongravitational forces allows scientists to more accurately predict an object's future orbit and assess any potential impact risk.

— Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 22 July 2026
The legislation passed by French lawmakers Tuesday allows the French food, environmental and occupational health agency to exceptionally authorize the use of acetamiprid and flupyradifurone for a few struggling agricultural sectors.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026

Definition of allows

Verb

If the city approves the sale, this would be the second deal Griffin has reached to remove an important historic building from the Brickell neighborhood.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
People still decide which customer takes priority, who approves the purchase and when an override is justified.

— Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of approves

Verb

The bill sanctions Russian financial institutions and its largest state energy projects while targeting Russian partners in the oil and natural gas trade.

— Chris Boccia, ABC News, 14 July 2026
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

Definition of sanctions

Verb

This understanding is what enables organizations to scale autonomous AI while maintaining explainability, governance and operational trust.

— Shekhar Iyer, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Anglada said FirstRand views the company as a specialized technology and platform provider that enables access to the base of the pyramid in ways a traditional bank cannot replicate.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of enables

Verb

The company designs and manufactures cameras and projection systems, then sells or licenses them to exhibitors like AMC Theatres.

— Antonio Ferme, Variety, 16 July 2026
With a desire to reach a more global audience, the company launched a free-to-play version of the Pro Spirits franchise without NPB or the Japan Professional Baseball Players Association licenses to the world in March.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of licenses

Verb

That means funding enough safe haven beds to meet demand and moving people into supportive housing quickly, so nobody who accepts an offer waits months for a unit.

— Dave Giffen, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026
What many people don’t see is what happens before someone accepts help.

— Zeynep Portway, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026

Definition of accepts

Verb

This is a secure payment protocol that authorizes and verifies purchases made by AI agents, ensuring user consent, payment authentication, and accountability during transactions.

— Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
The law authorizes a pilot program offering grants and forgivable loans to address a range of repair needs and health hazards.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Definition of authorizes

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“Legalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalizes. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of legalizes

verb

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