authorize
verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz 
authorized; authorizing; authorizes
1
: to endorse, empower, justify, or permit by or as if by some recognized or proper authority (such as custom, evidence, personal right, or regulating power)
a custom authorized by time
2
: to invest especially with legal authority : empower
He is authorized to act for his father.
3
archaic
: justify sense 1a
authorizer
noun
Examples of authorize in a Sentence
The city council authorized the sale of the land.
Who authorized the transfer of the funds?
Recent Examples on the Web
That ban lasts for the duration of the agreement, which Lightfoot authorized for Bally’s in 2022 and is now at the center of another political fight under Johnson.
—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2026
The president is legally required under the War Powers Act to withdraw troops from combat zones if Congress does not formally authorize their deployment within 60 days.
—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
The strike vote marks the first time the more than 250 cleaners, who are a part of the 32BJ of Service Employees International Union, have voted to authorize a strike in 18 years.
—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
30 June 2026
What new sales tax revenue will pay for The state legislation that authorized the sales tax referendum laid out how the influx of new revenue can be spent.
—
Mary Ramsey
updated June 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for authorize
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Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2026
The president is legally required under the War Powers Act to withdraw troops from combat zones if Congress does not formally authorize their deployment within 60 days.
—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
The strike vote marks the first time the more than 250 cleaners, who are a part of the 32BJ of Service Employees International Union, have voted to authorize a strike in 18 years.
—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
30 June 2026
What new sales tax revenue will pay for The state legislation that authorized the sales tax referendum laid out how the influx of new revenue can be spent.
—
Mary Ramsey
updated June 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for authorize
Cite this Entry
“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
authorize
verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give authority to
2
: to give legal or official approval to
authorization
noun
ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən
authorizer
noun
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrī-zər
Legal Definition
authorize
transitive verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give permission to
2
: to give authority to act to
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