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
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Recent Examples of criminalize
Then, in 2025, a bill criminalizing the practice made it through the Senate but was never called for a vote in the House.
—
Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026
Some human rights groups and pundits have objected, however, saying the bans limit free speech and criminalize legitimate expressions of support for the Palestinian cause.
—Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
They were followed by a sweeping security crackdown that criminalized dissent and reshaped the city’s legal system.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 6 Mar. 2026
This time, the justices must decide if the government can criminalize gun ownership for marijuana users.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026
Some human rights groups and pundits have objected, however, saying the bans limit free speech and criminalize legitimate expressions of support for the Palestinian cause.
—Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
They were followed by a sweeping security crackdown that criminalized dissent and reshaped the city’s legal system.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 6 Mar. 2026
This time, the justices must decide if the government can criminalize gun ownership for marijuana users.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminalize
Verb
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As a weekslong stalemate leaves Transportation Security Administration agents working without pay, Cornyn has introduced a bill to outlaw preferential screening treatment for members of Congress.—
Joseph Morton,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Mar. 2026
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In 2024, Berkeley and Oakland passed ordinances outlawing discrimination based on family structure, including polyamorous relationships.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Websites would face the choice between banning lawful speech or facing onerous penalties.—
Agustina Vergara Cid,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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South Korea’s national security council called the launches a provocation that violated United Nations Security Council resolutions that bans any ballistic activities by North Korea.—
Hyung-Jin Kim,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminalize. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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