decriminalize
verb
de·crim·i·nal·ize
(ˌ)dē-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 
-ˈkrim-nəl-
decriminalized; decriminalizing; decriminalizes
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of
especially
: to repeal a strict ban on while keeping under some form of regulation
decriminalize the possession of marijuana
Examples of decriminalize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Fentanyl test strips, which are decriminalized in Florida, have also helped residents avoid using substances tainted with fentanyl.
—
Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Weed was officially decriminalized in the city under Mayor Michael Nutter in October 2014.
—Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 14 May 2026
This bill decriminalized jaywalking.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
The Natural Medicine Act, which decriminalized psilocybin and greenlit the state's development of a therapeutic pathway for mushrooms, also decriminalized ibogaine and other psychedelics.
—Olivia Young, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
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Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Weed was officially decriminalized in the city under Mayor Michael Nutter in October 2014.
—Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 14 May 2026
This bill decriminalized jaywalking.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
The Natural Medicine Act, which decriminalized psilocybin and greenlit the state's development of a therapeutic pathway for mushrooms, also decriminalized ibogaine and other psychedelics.
—Olivia Young, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
Cite this Entry
“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
decriminalize
transitive verb
de·crim·i·nal·ize
dē-ˈkri-mən-ᵊl-ˌīz
decriminalized; decriminalizing
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of
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