decriminalize
verb
de·crim·i·nal·ize (ˌ)dē-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 
-ˈkrim-nəl-
decriminalized; decriminalizing; decriminalizes
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of
especially : to repeal a strict ban on while keeping under some form of regulation
decriminalize the possession of marijuana
Examples of decriminalize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If cannabis is eventually decriminalized, California could see a windfall. —
Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026 The other bill would decriminalize the substance, removing the current legal penalties that exist for anyone caught with some. —Esme Murphy, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026 In 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first American city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. —Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026 Ecuador decriminalized it in 2024, and Uruguay approved legislation in 2025 that is expected to be implemented. —ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
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.
Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026 The other bill would decriminalize the substance, removing the current legal penalties that exist for anyone caught with some. —Esme Murphy, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026 In 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first American city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. —Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026 Ecuador decriminalized it in 2024, and Uruguay approved legislation in 2025 that is expected to be implemented. —ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
Cite this Entry
“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
decriminalize
transitive verb
de·crim·i·nal·ize dē-ˈkri-mən-ᵊl-ˌīz
decriminalized; decriminalizing
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
