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
State lawmakers authorized Hawthorne in 2019 to build its racinos.
—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
Late Saturday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a statement declaring a disaster emergency in response to the Snyder Fire –– authorizing the deployment of the Colorado National Guard to support response efforts.
—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
27 June 2026
Hungary’s new government has not repealed the Orbán-era legislation that outlawed Pride, but police this year authorized the event and were providing security along the route.
—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
The source asked not to be named as they were not authorized to speak publicly.
—
Josh Boswell,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for authorize
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Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
Late Saturday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a statement declaring a disaster emergency in response to the Snyder Fire –– authorizing the deployment of the Colorado National Guard to support response efforts.
—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
27 June 2026
Hungary’s new government has not repealed the Orbán-era legislation that outlawed Pride, but police this year authorized the event and were providing security along the route.
—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
The source asked not to be named as they were not authorized to speak publicly.
—
Josh Boswell,
CBS News,
26 June 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 30 Jun. 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
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