legalize
verb
le·gal·ize
ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz 
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
especially
: to give legal validity or sanction to
Examples of legalize in a Sentence
They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.
The government has legalized the use of the new drug.
Recent Examples on the Web
In September, a different bipartisan pair of lawmakers introduced a bill to legalize cannabis in Pennsylvania and create a regulated market for adult-use cannabis.
—
A.j. Herrington, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Cannabis classes: With medical marijuana soon to be legalized in Kentucky, a cannabis education certificate program at Bellarmine University is popular on campus.
—Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 26 Nov. 2024
The big picture: Now, nearly 80% of U.S. states have legalized sports betting since the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door for it in 2018.
—Meira Gebel, Axios, 21 Nov. 2024
Spain is set to legalize up to 300,000 undocumented migrants over the next three years, a move aimed at bolstering its economy and addressing demographic challenges, the country's migration minister said Wednesday.
—Natalie Venegas, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for legalize 
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.
A.j. Herrington, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Cannabis classes: With medical marijuana soon to be legalized in Kentucky, a cannabis education certificate program at Bellarmine University is popular on campus.
—Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 26 Nov. 2024
The big picture: Now, nearly 80% of U.S. states have legalized sports betting since the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door for it in 2018.
—Meira Gebel, Axios, 21 Nov. 2024
Spain is set to legalize up to 300,000 undocumented migrants over the next three years, a move aimed at bolstering its economy and addressing demographic challenges, the country's migration minister said Wednesday.
—Natalie Venegas, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for legalize
Articles Related to legalize
Dictionary Entries Near legalize
Cite this Entry
“Legalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legalize. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
legalize
verb
le·gal·ize
ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
wanted to legalize gambling in their city
Legal Definition
legalize
transitive verb
le·gal·ize
ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
especially
: to give legal validity or sanction to
legalization
noun
legalizer
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share