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
The board approved a resolution authorizing the contract as part of the consent agenda during a meeting on Tuesday.
—
arkansasonline.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Investigators are reviewing whether Shell leaked sensitive corporate secrets, according to two people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
According to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations publicly, the discussions have covered a wide range of political and legal issues.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2026
The power to declare war or authorize the use of force rests with Congress, and unless America has been attacked, that must happen in advance.
—Jill Lawrence, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026
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.
arkansasonline.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Investigators are reviewing whether Shell leaked sensitive corporate secrets, according to two people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
According to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations publicly, the discussions have covered a wide range of political and legal issues.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2026
The power to declare war or authorize the use of force rests with Congress, and unless America has been attacked, that must happen in advance.
—Jill Lawrence, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authorize
Cite this Entry
“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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
