decriminalize

verb

de·​crim·​i·​nal·​ize (ˌ)dē-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce decriminalize (audio)
-ˈkrim-nəl-
decriminalized; decriminalizing; decriminalizes
Synonyms of decriminalizenext

transitive verb

: 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
decriminalization
(ˌ)dē-ˌkri-mə-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce decriminalize (audio)
-ˌkrim-nəl-
noun

Examples of decriminalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In 2023, the province decriminalized small amounts of certain hard drugs. — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 If passed, the bill would decriminalize cannabis, remove it from scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act and expunge certain federal cannabis offenses. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 22 July 2026 Advertisement Uruguay Uruguay enacted a law decriminalizing euthanasia in October 2025. — Connor Greene, Time, 16 July 2026 Activists tried to legalize medical cannabis and decriminalize possession of adult-use cannabis through the ballot a few years ago, but all the initiatives failed. — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for decriminalize

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decriminalize was in 1969

Rhymes for decriminalize

See All Rhymes for decriminalize

Browse Nearby Words

decrier
decriminalize
decrown
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

decriminalize

transitive verb
de·​crim·​i·​nal·​ize dē-ˈkri-mən-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce decriminalize (audio)
decriminalized; decriminalizing
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of
decriminalization
dē-ˌkri-mən-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce decriminalize (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on decriminalize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for decriminalize

Nglish: Translation of decriminalize for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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