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

The authorization lasts until April 19. —CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026

In all, 34% of the total applications on hold are from people applying for green cards, immigrant visas, or citizenship, according to the Cato analysis, and roughly half are for work authorization permits. —Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

Cadillic further expressed uneasiness with the city’s move to request prior authorization through UM extending to other non-specialty medications beyond GLP-1 drugs. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026

Presidents now launch military operations without congressional authorization, restructure entire agencies by command, and treat the legislative branch as an afterthought rather than a co-equal partner in governance. —Anthony Scaramucci, Fortune, 19 Mar. 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