authorization

noun

au·​tho·​ri·​za·​tion ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: the act of authorizing

2

: an instrument that authorizes : sanction

Synonyms of authorization

• permission
• consent
• granting

Examples of authorization in a Sentence

you will need the authorization of the council before you can act

his authorization to go ahead with the project was finally given

Recent Examples on the Web

Ending those protections could halt their authorization to work legally in the United States and expose more to possible deportation, especially the 800 people with pending applications, according to the International Refugee Assistance Project. —Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026

Once it is approved, the authorization is valid for two years or until a traveler’s passport expires if that occurs first. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026

Essentially, the software allows criminals to dispense cash from ATMs with no bank card, customer account, or bank authorization, the FBI said. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026

Allowances function as authorizations to emit a limited amount of greenhouse gases in the state. —Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English auctorisation "legal validation of a document," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French auctorisacion "authorization," borrowed from Medieval Latin auctōrizātiōn-, auctōrizātiō "recognition as authoritative, authorization," from auctōrizāre "to authorize" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing authorization

• emergency use authorization
• pre-authorization

Rhymes for authorization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration