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
Goodblend is one of three companies authorized to sell medical marijuana in Texas, the others being Texas Original and Fluent.
—
Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
The focus should be on enforcing existing laws, securing the border within constitutional limits, and using state resources where they are clearly authorized, while avoiding policies that create endless litigation and delay real results.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Newton will be restricted from rejoining the department or even applying for private security license that is authorized by the Board of Police Commissioners.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
The city commission authorized the design-build process and awaits information from the firm authorized to do the work this summer.
—Mike Hernández, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authorize
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Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
The focus should be on enforcing existing laws, securing the border within constitutional limits, and using state resources where they are clearly authorized, while avoiding policies that create endless litigation and delay real results.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Newton will be restricted from rejoining the department or even applying for private security license that is authorized by the Board of Police Commissioners.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
The city commission authorized the design-build process and awaits information from the firm authorized to do the work this summer.
—Mike Hernández, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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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