enable

verb

i-ˈnā-bəl How to pronounce enable (audio)
Definition of enablenext
1
as in to let
to make able or possible my new glasses enable me to read the fine print

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to empower
to give official or legal power to a law that would enable the authorities to inspect food preparation areas for health code violations

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 enable Roman is also outfitted with a special instrument called a coronagraph, which will enable the telescope to observe exoplanets with unprecedented sensitivity. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026 Probing cosmic mysteries During its five-year mission, the telescope will enable the discovery of billions of galaxies, thousands of exploding stars called supernovas and tens of billions of stars, according to Fox. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 That would, in turn, enable them to constantly search for drones, low-flying warplanes, and even cruise missiles flying in unpredictable trajectories. — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The Quilceda Creek vineyards are also non-grafted and own-rooted, which Golitzin believes enables each clone to express its character more directly. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enable
  1. let
  2. empower
  3. allow
  4. authorize
  5. qualify
Verb
  • Verify the numbers, name the next step, and let clear facts make the agreement feel safer for everyone involved.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Geneva let the clock run down to five seconds to call a timeout before Oswego (2-0) punted.
    — Jerry Birchfield, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of let
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
  • Luke Halls’ video and projections add another layer of visual unease, allowing screens and technology inside the home to become as suspicious as its shadowy corners.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Both states have leaned heavily into cooperation agreements with ICE called 287g agreements that allow local and state law enforcement to essentially operate as arms of federal immigration enforcement.
    — Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of allow
Verb
  • Lutnick has asked the court to dismiss the case, saying that the arrangement was authorized under federal law and is important for the US defense industrial base.
    — Norah Rami, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The drones are authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration and travel at altitudes between 250 and 400 feet, Robertson said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of authorize
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

Browse Nearby Words

emulsions
enable
enabled
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Cite this Entry

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

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