LEGALIZING Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

legalizing

verb

present participle of legalize

as in sanctioning

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 legalizing Rantzen was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2023 and went on to become a prominent campaigner for legalizing assisted dying in the UK. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026 The day after Markey’s death, the Illinois law legalizing MAID took effect. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 The British Parliament has voted against legalizing assisted suicide services for adults, successfully blocking a bill that was filibustered out of time before the April recess. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2026 Bass proposed legalizing vacation rentals in her budget this year, though the proposal was removed from the budget by the City Council. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Its Supreme Court has rejected draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews and overturned a law legalizing settler homes built on private Palestinian land. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Last year, the mayor’s office commissioned a report from Christiansen Capitol Advisors LLC on the potential fiscal impacts of legalizing VGT gambling in Chicago. — Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Two states will vote on ballot measures legalizing marijuana in the November midterms. — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Virginia rightfully rejected legalizing online casinos this past spring, recognizing the threat of putting a 24/7 slot machine within arm’s reach of every state resident. — Brianne Doura-Schawohl, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalizing

Verb

In addition to sanctioning Brito and Epstein, Williams also ordered a copy of her order to be sent to the New York State Bar Association, of which acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is a member.

— Dan Mangan, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Tony Forte, president of USAngling, the sanctioning body, said the tournament will be a showcase to persuade the International Olympic Committee to include bass fishing at the Summer Olympics.

— Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of sanctioning

Verb

Supply constraints, regulations, the immigration crackdown, permitting issues and many other practical realities have prevented all those goods and labor supplies from coming into balance with the extreme demand.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Taaffe was victimized in coverage, permitting three completions on three targets for 49 yards and a touchdown.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of permitting

Verb

An executive order signed in June established a program allowing companies to voluntarily provide the federal government access to powerful models before their public release.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
Female athlete advocates warn that allowing biological males into women's divisions steals roster spots, playing time, and leadership roles from actual women.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of allowing

Verb

Americans increasingly blame Trump for the high cost of living, with just 17% approving of his handling of the issue, according to a new AP-NORC poll.

— Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Some of the ads say that the billionaire tax would lead to a decline in tax revenue, while others claim that the measure will lead to the state legislature approving wealth taxes on non-billionaires.

— Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of approving

Verb

The brand licensing company has privately discussed an offer that could value Mattel at more than $20 per share, or about $6 billion, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

— Maggie Roth, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026
Bipartisan proposals in the Pennsylvania House and Senate would preserve the industry by licensing the machines and charging operators fees while limiting most establishments to five machines.

— Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of licensing

Verb

Biomimetic propulsion creates a smooth laminar flow, enabling stealthy underwater mapping and long-term marine life monitoring.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
An example of a successful investment would be an enterprise that grows 10 times within three to four years, enabling it to be sold to a larger company.

— Frank Williamson, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of enabling

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legalizes

legalizing

legally

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“Legalizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalizing. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of legalizing

verb

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