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
Over the past months, Washington has assembled an extensive naval and air presence near Venezuelan waters—the largest seen in decades—while authorizing the CIA to operate inside the country.
—
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
The funds were authorized by the CHIPS Act, which was passed by Congress in 2022.
—Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2025
Earlier this summer, the Pentagon authorized about 600 military lawyers to work for the DOJ.
—NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Still, the commander-in-chief can authorize military force without Congress, but only in response to an imminent threat.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authorize
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Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
The funds were authorized by the CHIPS Act, which was passed by Congress in 2022.
—Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2025
Earlier this summer, the Pentagon authorized about 600 military lawyers to work for the DOJ.
—NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Still, the commander-in-chief can authorize military force without Congress, but only in response to an imminent threat.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 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 31 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
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