authorize

verb

ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz How to pronounce authorize (audio)
Definition of authorizenext
1
as in to enable
to give official or legal power to only the school nurse is authorized to give any necessary shots

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to entitle
to give a right to this pass will authorize you to go backstage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to approve
to give official acceptance of as satisfactory a system for sound reproduction that has been authorized as meeting the electronic industry's highest standards

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 authorize To support these demands, Jeanie Buss contends the California Probate Code authorizes a trustee to seek instructions from a court to resolve internal disagreements about a trust. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Key Biscayne The Village of Key Biscayne strictly prohibits all micromobility devices on streets, highways, sidewalks, bicycle paths, multiuse paths and trails, beaches and dunes unless otherwise authorized. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Daniel Oxendine Harford County Sheriff's Office Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said the woman needed a ride home after an unrelated domestic incident in Baltimore, and Oxendine's supervisor authorized him to drive her in a patrol car. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 The city’s charter authorizes the mayor to nominate someone to serve out the term of a vacated seat on the City Council when fewer than 18 months are left of the four-year term. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for authorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorize
  1. enable
  2. entitle
  3. approve
  4. empower
  5. qualify
  6. ratify
  7. permit
  8. confirm
Verb
  • The approach appears to be adding a midfielder who can cover larger spaces in the middle of the pitch, enabling the team to be more proactive and aggressive in their press.
    — Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The advanced safety detector, which screens incoming messages for policy violations, must be manually enabled by users.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of enable
Verb
  • Under the terms of the arrangement, HardScope will broker deals with podcast hosts and other figures to promote DraftKings, and is entitled to keep a commission of up to 14%.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The board had scheduled a vote on Alston’s fate last week, but a judge intervened, agreeing that Alston was legally entitled to mediation.
    — Rafael Olmeda, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of entitle
Verb
  • The Orange County Board of Supervisors previously approved a $50,000 fund for residents and businesses impacted by the incident.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Lenders use them to decide whether to approve loans and credit cards and to determine interest rates and credit limits.
    — Medora Lee, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of approve
Verb
  • The loosened restrictions will not empower Washington to pursue investment and economic cooperation with al Sharaa’s government, which could transform the impoverished country.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Whether supporting the Trident missile or other systems throughout the fleet, NSWC Corona’s work equips sailors with the confidence to trust their systems — empowering them to deliver peace through strength when the nation depends on them most.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of empower
Verb
  • However, many trade associations include sole proprietors who don't qualify for an AHP, and some organizations have members in a range of industries.
    — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Minneola Mayor Pam Serviss confirmed Yeager did not present the paperwork necessary to qualify for the election and will not be eligible to keep his seat this election cycle.
    — James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of qualify
Verb
  • The Boston Symphony Orchestra and its musicians ratified a three-year contract Tuesday, avoiding what could have been the first strike in the ensemble's 145-year history.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • As a check on that judicial branch power, Congress has the power to seek constitutional amendments, which must be ratified by the states.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of ratify
Verb
  • The invention of steel permitted the rise of skyscrapers, the automobile inspired highway systems and the internet gave rise to a whole new set of digital spaces.
    — George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The other 29 states and the District of Columbia explicitly permit drop boxes by law.
    — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of permit
Verb
  • Check the requirement, confirm the route, draft the plan, or ask one better question.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Although an exact date has yet to be confirmed, readers can expect the Nike Ja 4 Halloween to be released in October for a retail price of $145 in adult sizing and $125 for grade school sizes.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of confirm

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Cite this Entry

“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorize. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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