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
In a break from recent custom, the WGA did not even ask its members to authorize a strike this time — which would also require some amount of staff work.
—
Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Apr. 2026
Hoping to avoid a veto, Bahrain significantly watered down its proposal to authorize defensive — but not offensive — action to ensure vessels can safely transit the strait.
—Didi Tang, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
The resolution had initially been drafted to authorize the use of military force, a clause removed by Beijing and Moscow.
—Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
But the proposal reportedly stalled after veto-wielding Security Council members China, Russia and France objected to the draft resolution, which would have authorized military action against Iran.
—Lim Hui Jie,victor Loh, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authorize
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Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Apr. 2026
Hoping to avoid a veto, Bahrain significantly watered down its proposal to authorize defensive — but not offensive — action to ensure vessels can safely transit the strait.
—Didi Tang, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
The resolution had initially been drafted to authorize the use of military force, a clause removed by Beijing and Moscow.
—Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
But the proposal reportedly stalled after veto-wielding Security Council members China, Russia and France objected to the draft resolution, which would have authorized military action against Iran.
—Lim Hui Jie,victor Loh, CNBC, 3 Apr. 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 5 Apr. 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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