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 ad, which wasn’t authorized by Talarico, challenges Crockett’s electability.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026
Yet Congress has become increasingly comfortable deferring to the executive branch since lawmakers authorized the wars with Iraq and Afghanistan more than 20 years ago.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Feb. 2026
Bond elections allow Austin voters to authorize the city to borrow money for major capital projects — such as roads, parks, libraries, public safety facilities and affordable housing — with the debt repaid over time through property taxes.
—Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
The Florida Legislature authorized local governments to install speed cameras outside schools starting in 2024 — and the devices have been busy.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authorize
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Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026
Yet Congress has become increasingly comfortable deferring to the executive branch since lawmakers authorized the wars with Iraq and Afghanistan more than 20 years ago.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Feb. 2026
Bond elections allow Austin voters to authorize the city to borrow money for major capital projects — such as roads, parks, libraries, public safety facilities and affordable housing — with the debt repaid over time through property taxes.
—Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
The Florida Legislature authorized local governments to install speed cameras outside schools starting in 2024 — and the devices have been busy.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 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 2 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
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