CRIMINALIZE Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

criminalize

verb

ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz

Definition of criminalize

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

Relevance

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 Existing law still criminalizes appearing in public without an Islamic hijab. — Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 Laws used to criminalize dissent remain in force, intelligence and security agencies retain essentially the same structures and practices, and authorities have taken no steps to disarm or dismantle the colectivos. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026 Pollari wrote much of the rock song in Polari, which is a historical British cant invented by gay men to speak openly in public while homosexuality was criminalized between the 16th and 19th centuries. — Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026 The militarized cities and the unconstitutional laws that criminalize dissent betray the fear of a dehumanizing system faced with the strength of a conscious and determined community. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for criminalize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminalize

Verb

But Fidian’s job — and that of hundreds of other drivers, medallion owners and stable hands — is expected to be wiped out Thursday as the City Council is expected to outlaw the industry amid growing concerns over safety.

— Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
For example, the City Council passed a bill in 2019 to outlaw the sale of foie gras within city limits.

— Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of outlaw

Verb

Now all ordinary cars, buses, taxis, private vehicles, (e-)bikes, scooters and pedicabs will be banned between Selfridges and Ikea by Great Portland Street.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 26 Oct. 2026
Items listed from employee or family and friends sales are sometimes removed, but those sellers will not be banned from the platform.

— Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ban

Browse Nearby Words

criminality

criminalize

criminalized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminalize. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of criminalize

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes