authorize
verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz 
authorized; authorizing; authorizes
1
: to endorse, empower, justify, or permit by or as if by some recognized or proper authority (such as custom, evidence, personal right, or regulating power)
a custom authorized by time
2
: to invest especially with legal authority : empower
He is authorized to act for his father.
3
archaic
: justify sense 1a
authorizer
noun
Examples of authorize in a Sentence
The city council authorized the sale of the land.
Who authorized the transfer of the funds?
Recent Examples on the Web
Municipalities have the authority to impose fees and other charges from numerous state statutes authorizing them to perform specific regulatory functions or provide specific public services and improvements, such as roads, parks or emergency services like 911.
—
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
One former OpenAI employee who was not authorized to speak publicly said being worried about safety protections dropping over time is a legitimate fear.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be publicly named speaking about the negotiations.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
The Council said McCabe is authorized to continue carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Office of the Controller in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, and procedures to safeguard the nation’s financial integrity and ensure continuity of government operations.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authorize
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.
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
One former OpenAI employee who was not authorized to speak publicly said being worried about safety protections dropping over time is a legitimate fear.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be publicly named speaking about the negotiations.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
The Council said McCabe is authorized to continue carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Office of the Controller in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, and procedures to safeguard the nation’s financial integrity and ensure continuity of government operations.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authorize
Cite this Entry
“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
authorize
verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give authority to
2
: to give legal or official approval to
authorization
noun
ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən
authorizer
noun
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrī-zər
Legal Definition
authorize
transitive verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give permission to
2
: to give authority to act to
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share