decriminalize

verb

Definition of decriminalizenext
as in to legalize

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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 decriminalize Raman also believes there needs to be more enforcement of licensing for food vendors, even though the California legislature passed a law to decriminalize street vending in 2019. — Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 28 May 2026 And for years, Sacramento basically decriminalized all of it. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 6 May 2026 However, neither the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment nor the Department of Revenue currently has funding to do the same for psychedelics, which were legalized and decriminalized in 2022. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 May 2026 Proponents of legalizing marijuana as well as overhauling prison sentencing say this order, which does not completely decriminalize the drug, benefits only cannabis researchers, growers and others in Big Weed. — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decriminalize
legalize
Verb
  • The findings come as more states are legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use.
    — Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The Joliet and Aurora boats were among the first to hit the water after Illinois legalized riverboat gambling 36 years ago.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of legalize

Browse Nearby Words

decries
decriminalize
decriminalized
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Cite this Entry

“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decriminalize. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on decriminalize

Nglish: Translation of decriminalize for Spanish Speakers

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