as in legal
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as in sanctioned
to make (something) legal
They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.
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Recent Examples of legalized
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
But a 2022 study by Spectrum Gaming of other states that have legalized iLottery, such as Michigan in Pennsylvania, concluded that retail sales grew roughly in parallel to iLottery sales.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026
The domestic opportunities with media rights deals — the largest source of income for major professional sports associations — and legalized sports betting were then compelling enough to keep leagues focused at home.
—Adam Minter, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
As of December 2025, 40 states had legalized medical marijuana and more than 20 states had legalized recreational use, according to DISA Global Solutions.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
For five years, from fourth through eighth grade, Block was a victim of a 1987 Texas court ruling that legalized home schooling.
—Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2026
More than three dozen states have legalized marijuana use in some form or another.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 27 Dec. 2025
The state had previously legalized medical marijuana use in 2008.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 19 Dec. 2025
For instance, alcohol can legally be consumed in bars, where one often meets and even talks to other people; meanwhile many states that have legalized recreational marijuana prohibit its use where it is sold, forcing the purchaser to take an additional step in order to get high in company.
—Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
Aldermen legalized video gambling machines in neighborhood establishments, restructured liquor taxes to bring in more revenue, cleared the way for advertising on downtown bridges and more.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for legalized
Adjective
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This type of political spending is legal under California law.—
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No legal responsibility was ever assigned to Woroniecki in connection with the Yates children's deaths.—
Verb
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Putin is yet to comment on the developments related to the tanker, which the US had previously sanctioned for carrying illicit Iranian oil.—
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The Olina, previously named the Minerva M, was sanctioned by the United States for its role in transporting Russian oil, according to The Wall Street Journal.—
Adjective
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Throughout pretrial proceedings, attorneys repeatedly clashed over whether political expression related to Gaza could be considered a legitimate defense.—
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These programs were designed to provide tax credits to legitimate businesses for employment taxes and wages.—
Verb
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No cameras are permitted inside the courtroom during the trial.—
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No in-person interviews with coaches still in the playoffs would be permitted next week.—
Adjective
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The rule would require in-person renewals with proof of lawful status such as a passport or an I-94/95A form.—
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Our residents were given accurate information, meaningful opportunities to engage, and a lawful referendum.—
Verb
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Rushdie has licensed lesser writers to be sentimental about their own powers of invention.—
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In a press release Wednesday, the FDA said patients should only receive the drugs from health professionals who are licensed and trained to administer them.—
Verb
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Farina was granted primary custody of Sophia and will be allowed to move from Louisiana to Las Vegas with the child, according to court documents previously obtained by PEOPLE.—
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Herro’s return and move to the bench allowed the Heat to use him in Jaquez’s usual sixth man role on Tuesday.—
Verb
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If approved, new local sales taxes in Olathe would pay back the stadium bonds instead of going toward other local government functions.—
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The county has approved the extra occupancy at Harvest Farm through March of this year.—
Cite this Entry
“Legalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legalized. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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