Synonyms of empower

empower

verb

im-ˈpau̇(-ə)r 

1

as in to enable

to give official or legal power to

the federal agency empowered to collect taxes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enable
• authorize
• qualify
• allow
• permit
• certify
• invest
• entitle
• license
• charter
• warrant
• vest
• accredit
• commission
• approve
• affirm
• endorse
• validate
• let
• initiate
• confirm
• sanction
• install
• inaugurate
• OK
• induct
• privilege
• enfranchise
• clear
• credential
• swear in
• instate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prevent
• disqualify
• hinder
• discourage
• impede
• exclude
• deny
• stop
• inhibit
• constrain
• obstruct
• disallow
• shut out
• block
• prohibit
• bar
• hold back
• ban
• enjoin
• forbid
• disenfranchise
• disfranchise
• veto
• outlaw
• disbar
• proscribe
• interdict

2

as in to let

to make able or possible

workshops in financial management to empower workers to plan for their retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enable
• let
• allow
• permit
• prepare
• equip
• ready
• qualify
• approve
• endorse
• fit
• habilitate
• condition
• sanction

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prevent
• preclude
• inhibit
• prohibit
• forbid
• enjoin
• disallow

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of empower

Bela has built and shaped a truly global Content organization, hiring brilliant people and empowering them to make good decisions. — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

In their dealings with him, they are empowered to work all kinds of mischief and magic in his place and on his behalf. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Even the centrist French President Emmanuel Macron, who wants a more united, empowered Europe to hold its own, is wont to speak about the Continent in civilizational terms. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026

This Nobel will inspire an army of lawyers to warp international law to empower genocidaires. — Anne Bayefsky, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026