Definition of deputizenext
as in to appoint
to appoint as one's representative he deputized a local citizen to take charge of the situation while he went for reinforcements

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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 deputize If the answer was anything other than the United States, local officers deputized with special federal authority launched an investigation into whether the person was in the country illegally. David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026 The state-level agreements, signed by Stitt on February 18 and 25, deputized the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 12 Feb. 2026 Today, the program allows the Department of Homeland Security to form agreements with state and local law enforcement, deputizing them to enforce federal immigration law. Robin Grammer, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2026 Florida Highway Patrol, which is deputized to do immigration enforcement, conducting an arrest while refusing to say why, violently arresting a family member for daring to ask why the arrest is happening, and threatening to arrest a bystander in a public street who is filming. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deputize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deputize
Verb
  • In appointing Cardona, who also served as Connecticut’s education commissioner and as an administrator and teacher in Meriden’s public school system, Lamont is dedicating high-profile manpower to the effort.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Trump left the courtroom after conservative judges — some appointed by him — openly scoffed at the Department of Justice’s arguments.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Coyle also delegates various administrators representing each sport to keep lists of prospective coaches.
    Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Michael Ciaglo / Bloomberg via Getty Images The Constitution delegates the power to run elections to states.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deputize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deputize. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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