legalize

verb

le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz How to pronounce legalize (audio)
legalized; legalizing
Synonyms of legalizenext

transitive verb

: to make legal
especially : to give legal validity or sanction to
legalization
ˌlē-gə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce legalize (audio)
noun
legalizer
ˈlē-gə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce legalize (audio)
noun

Examples of legalize in a Sentence

They wanted to legalize gambling in their city. The government has legalized the use of the new drug.
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.
Come November, the ballot proposal to legalize marijuana failed. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Hale, arrested while painting in Westwood before his case was dismissed, wants the city to legalize the work and recommit to Vision Zero. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 This is about protecting game integrity and consumers—just like legalized sports betting. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Since 2018, several states have legalized online sports betting. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legalize

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legalize was circa 1652

Rhymes for legalize

See All Rhymes for legalize

Browse Nearby Words

legalization
legalize
legal jointure
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legalize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

legalize

verb
le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz How to pronounce legalize (audio)
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
wanted to legalize gambling in their city
legalization
ˌlē-gə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce legalize (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

legalize

transitive verb
le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz How to pronounce legalize (audio)
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
especially : to give legal validity or sanction to
legalization noun
legalizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on legalize

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