enabled; enabling
i-ˈnā-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to provide with the means or opportunity
training that enables people to earn a living
b
: to make possible, practical, or easy
a deal that would enable passage of a new law
c
: to cause to operate
software that enables the keyboard
2
: to give legal power, capacity, or sanction to
a law enabling admission of a state
Did you know?
Enabling: The Behavior of an Enabler
Enable has a number of senses, most of which are some variant on allowing someone (or something, such as enabling cookies on a computer) to do something. In the past several decades, enable has also started to take on a new associated sense in the field of addiction studies, where enabling is viewed as giving misguided support to a person with some substance-abuse issue. A person who facilitates the self-destructive behavior of another is referred to as an enabler.
Examples of enable in a Sentence
The machine enables us to create copies without losing quality.
The system enables students to access class materials online.
These choices are part of what enabled the company to be successful.
a filing system that enables easy access to information
Be sure to enable your computer's firewall.
Recent Examples on the Web
The weaving technique enables creative storytelling brought to life through statement pieces, capsule collections, and collaborations with artisans or artists—breathing new life into this traditionally durable workwear fabric, Ajimal said.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025
Karya seized an opportunity to flip the script on the AI economy — improving global technologies while enabling income and upskilling opportunities for over 100,000 workers.
—Maggie Johnson, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025
The companies say this will enable multimodal interactions, meaning the glasses can see, hear, understand context, and respond naturally.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Dec. 2025
According to the African Wildlife Foundation, serval cats are most commonly found on savannas and possess long necks and legs that enable them to see over tall grass.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enable
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Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025
Karya seized an opportunity to flip the script on the AI economy — improving global technologies while enabling income and upskilling opportunities for over 100,000 workers.
—Maggie Johnson, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025
The companies say this will enable multimodal interactions, meaning the glasses can see, hear, understand context, and respond naturally.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Dec. 2025
According to the African Wildlife Foundation, serval cats are most commonly found on savannas and possess long necks and legs that enable them to see over tall grass.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enable
Cite this Entry
“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enable. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.
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