criminalize

verb

ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce criminalize (audio)
Definition of criminalizenext
as in to outlaw
to make or declare contrary to the law wanted to criminalize an activity that the mountaineers had been engaging in for generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 criminalize The preliminary injunction only addresses bathroom usage so the law will still fully criminalize using changing rooms designated for the opposite sex starting Wednesday. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026 The attire had caused a stir in Qatar, a country that criminalizes gay relationships, and Grant was even briefly refused entry into the match. — Sam McDowell 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 Since then, a total of 25 states have criminalized or banned gender-affirming care for minors. — Nina Totenberg, NPR, 30 June 2026 Michael Olson, policy counsel for Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, said criminalizing the distribution of sterile syringes is a mistake. — Maya Henry, Oklahoma Watch, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminalize
  1. outlaw
  2. ban
Verb
  • Gambling is outlawed on commercial aircraft, dictated by a law passed more than 50 years ago.
    — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • The government outlawed Palestine Action after activists broke into a Royal Air Force base in June 2025 to protest British military support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of outlaw
Verb
  • The Collective Bargaining Agreement banned two-a-days long ago.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Wildlife officials are banning fishing during certain hours on rivers and streams across the West, following an exceptionally dry winter and amid widespread drought.
    — Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of ban

Browse Nearby Words

criminality
criminalize
criminalized
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Cite this Entry

“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminalize. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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