DECRIMINALIZE Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

decriminalize

verb

Definition of decriminalize

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

Medical cannabis was legalized in Thailand in 2022 and dispensaries have become common in Thai cities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Bass proposed legalizing vacation rentals in her budget this year, though the proposal was removed from the budget by the City Council.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of legalize

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decries

decriminalize

decriminalized

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“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decriminalize. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of decriminalize

verb

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