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
Continue reading … SAFE SPACES — Minneapolis city council hear arguments in favor of legalizing adult bathhouses for LGBTQ community.
—
FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
That decision overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, paving the way for states to legalize sports betting.
—Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
Forty states have legalized marijuana use to some degree in recent years, adding a wrinkle to the legal battle.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Today, over 40 states have legalized cannabis, either for medical or recreational reasons, or both.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for legalize
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FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
That decision overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, paving the way for states to legalize sports betting.
—Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
Forty states have legalized marijuana use to some degree in recent years, adding a wrinkle to the legal battle.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Today, over 40 states have legalized cannabis, either for medical or recreational reasons, or both.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for legalize
Cite this Entry
“Legalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legalize. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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
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