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 Only Scorpio is still open, but both served as important spaces for LGBTQ+ people during a time when homosexuality was criminalized. — Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026 This contrasts sharply with a federal judge's decision days earlier, blocking Minnesota from criminalizing prediction markets, a win for Kalshi and the CFTC who argue federal preemption. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Another common source of opposition, identified in a 2021 feasibility study, came from community groups worried the cameras would be used to surveil and criminalize marginalized groups. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 Nicaragua’s last election in 2021 was widely disputed after Ortega detained opponents and business leaders and criminalized dissent. — CNN Money, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminalize
  1. outlaw
  2. ban
Verb
  • Proposition 42 would outlaw retroactive taxation, directly countering Proposition 40 and killing the wealth tax.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Some leagues will require the same number of players to switch teams, essentially outlawing a 2-for-1 or 3-for-2 exchange.
    — Sports Betting, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of outlaw
Verb
  • New Jersey banned phones in the classroom, starting with this school year.
    — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In June a popular Iranian singer, Parastoo Ahmadi, together with eight members of her band and production team, were sentenced in Qom to 74 lashes and banned from leaving the country for two years.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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