authorization

noun

au·​tho·​ri·​za·​tion ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce authorization (audio)
Synonyms of authorizationnext
1
: the act of authorizing
2
: an instrument that authorizes : sanction

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
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.
Iranian media reported that the country's Navy had fired warning shots at four vessels that attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without authorization this morning. Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 29 May 2026 Volvo confirmed its special authorization but did not immediately respond to questions about the other bills and their potential impact on the company. Michael Wayland,luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 May 2026 Someone from Safiyaa responded and provided a return authorization. Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 Prosecutors alleged Roberts knowingly lacked employment authorization for nearly all of his two-decade career in urban education and submitted a counterfeit Social Security card when he was hired as superintendent of the Des Moines public school district, which serves 30,000 students. Hannah Fingerhut, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for authorization

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of authorization was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Authorization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorization. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

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