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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The new heart rate sensor uses both earbuds to transmit pulse rate to Apple Health and other authorized iPhone apps, giving you insight into your cardio workload. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 Tinubu’s then-employers at Mobil Oil told investigators his treasurer role did not involve moving large sums and that the company never authorized him to hold its funds personally. — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026 The order allows the state to move resources into position ahead of the storm and authorizes Kemp to call up as many as 500 Georgia National Guard troops if needed. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Judge Stephanie Santoro granted Klitschko’s request, appointing him temporary guardian of his daughter’s estate and authorizing him to file a probate petition on her behalf. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 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
  • This would enable firms to communicate more effectively about issues, ensuring that any failures yield lessons that could be applied industry-wide.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Trump just last month signed into law legislation that enables him to tariff the top purchasers of Russian crude oil or gas.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of enable
Verb
  • Chief Justice John Roberts gave the Federal Communications Commission a temporary win on Thursday in its legal battle over who is entitled to favorable advertising rates in the closing weeks of the costly and hotly contested midterm elections.
    — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The court didn’t find that hospitals were economically entitled to the markup.
    — Casey B. Mulligan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of entitle
Verb
  • The allegations come after the California Department of Human Resources sent a notice in February 2022 outlining that departments cannot approve employee requests to regularly work from out-of-state locations.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The consent agenda is intended to approve items with broad or unanimous agreement.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of approve
Verb
  • The initiative’s goal is by 2030 to have empowered 3 million people to recognize the early signs of anxiety and depression, and take steps toward helping those.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The county is empowered by statute to investigate and prosecute violations of the Unfair Competition Law on behalf of California residents and to seek restitution, civil penalties and injunctive relief for any violations.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of empower
Verb
  • By state law, the California State University, California Community Colleges and all higher education institutions that qualify for Cal Grant financial aid must adopt these policies.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Through it all, Pi-o and Jeong-yo’s intense, often tender relationship serves as a throughline, bringing many viewers to question if the Netflix series qualifies as a boys’ love (aka BL) drama.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of qualify
Verb
  • Once ratified, these findings create permanent licensing precedents.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • If ratified by a majority of members, the agreement will come before the CSU Board of Trustees at its November meeting.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of ratify
Verb
  • Insider tip If your schedule permits, allot at least two days here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Scripture permits men to take several wives, but Indonesian law does not recognize those unions.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of permit
Verb
  • That list was culled to 1,015 firms, and finalists completed surveys to confirm key details.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • If the testing confirms that the drug is what the pharmacy claims, that specific lot is approved for compounding.
    — Alana Semuels, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of confirm

Browse Nearby Words

authorizations
authorize
authorized
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Cite this Entry

“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorize. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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