Synonyms of empower

empower

verb

im-ˈpau̇(-ə)r 

1

as in to enable

to give official or legal power to

the federal agency empowered to collect taxes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enable
• authorize
• qualify
• allow
• permit
• certify
• invest
• entitle
• license
• charter
• warrant
• vest
• accredit
• commission
• approve
• affirm
• endorse
• validate
• let
• initiate
• confirm
• sanction
• install
• inaugurate
• OK
• induct
• privilege
• enfranchise
• clear
• credential
• swear in
• instate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prevent
• disqualify
• hinder
• discourage
• impede
• exclude
• deny
• stop
• inhibit
• constrain
• obstruct
• disallow
• shut out
• block
• prohibit
• bar
• hold back
• ban
• enjoin
• forbid
• disenfranchise
• disfranchise
• veto
• outlaw
• disbar
• proscribe
• interdict

2

as in to let

to make able or possible

workshops in financial management to empower workers to plan for their retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enable
• let
• allow
• permit
• prepare
• equip
• ready
• qualify
• approve
• endorse
• fit
• habilitate
• condition
• sanction

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prevent
• preclude
• inhibit
• prohibit
• forbid
• enjoin
• disallow

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of empower

Granger said she was not empowered to oversee any of the team’s compliance or operational matters. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

Instead, Alsobrooks suggested empowering state-level attorneys general to enforce the rules. — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

That’s because Title VII requires employers to keep records that could be pertinent to any discrimination investigation, and the EEOC is empowered to request them. — Alexandra Olson, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

His data-centric approach and favoring of empowering lower commanders has come much to the annoyance of the traditional military establishment. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026