reauthorize

verb

re·​au·​tho·​rize (ˌ)rē-ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz How to pronounce reauthorize (audio)
reauthorized; reauthorizing; reauthorizes

transitive verb

: to authorize (something or someone) again
especially : to renew the authority or effective legal power, warrant, or right of
called for Congress to reauthorize the Clean Water Act
Since passage, each law has been amended or "reauthorized," a confusing process under which existing statutes are reenacted with new language. —Gregg Easterbrook
reauthorization
(ˌ)rē-ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce reauthorize (audio)
noun
plural reauthorizations
Congressional leaders are expected to continue negotiating a long-term reauthorization of the program in the coming weeks. —Mike Debonis

Examples of reauthorize in a Sentence

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.
The House Natural Resources Committee also approved bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the LRF, demonstrating strong support across Congress for this common-sense investment in our parks and public lands. — Lulu Vilas, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 Congress is still considering whether to reauthorize funding through 2030. — Lydia McFarlane, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026 Cortez Mastro touted the bipartisan Tahoe Restoration Act, passed in 2024, which reauthorized $15 million for lake-saving work. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026 San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones wants residents to reauthorize the city’s portion of arena funding this fall, and the deadline to add the issue to November’s ballot is Monday. — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reauthorize

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reauthorize was in 1605

Rhymes for reauthorize

See All Rhymes for reauthorize

Browse Nearby Words

reauthentication
reauthorize
reave
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reauthorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reauthorize. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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