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.
Research suggests that policies legalizing bodily surveillance are not a positive influence for any child in youth sports. — Megan Gandy, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 In 1973, matatus were legalized, and their numbers in Nairobi, the capital, quickly grew. — Diego Menjíbar Reynés, Christian Science Monitor, 1 July 2026 Senate Bill 6 legalizes possession of fentanyl testing strips, which can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl and help prevent overdoses. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 June 2026 The move comes at a time when the US Congress has been advancing legislation that could legalize overland supersonic travel. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 29 June 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 7 Jul. 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for legalize

Nglish: Translation of legalize for Spanish Speakers

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