Synonyms of authorize

authorize

verb

ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz 

1

as in to enable

to give official or legal power to

only the school nurse is authorized to give any necessary shots

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to entitle

to give a right to

this pass will authorize you to go backstage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• entitle
• qualify
• enable
• permit
• empower
• privilege
• allow
• approve
• endorse
• license
• let
• ratify
• certify
• certificate
• legitimize
• validate
• sanction
• enfranchise
• accredit
• warrant
• charter
• recertify
• revalidate
• reapprove
• recharter
• reaccredit

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disqualify
• disable
• forbid
• invalidate
• disallow
• proscribe
• nullify
• disenfranchise
• decertify
• disempower
• delegitimize

3

as in to approve

to give official acceptance of as satisfactory

a system for sound reproduction that has been authorized as meeting the electronic industry's highest standards

Synonyms & Similar Words

• approve
• ratify
• confirm
• endorse
• accept
• finalize
• sanction
• formalize
• warrant
• acknowledge
• sign
• OK
• accredit
• approbate
• affirm
• certify
• homologate
• permit
• enable
• validate
• clear
• initial
• allow
• bless
• pass
• legalize
• sanctify
• license
• canonize
• rubber-stamp
• sign off (on)
• reapprove

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deny
• reject
• prohibit
• disallow
• disapprove
• veto
• negative
• forbid
• decline
• enjoin
• turn down
• proscribe
• ban
• ignore
• refuse
• disregard
• neglect
• interdict
• overlook
• illegalize
• rebut
• spurn
• rebuff

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of authorize

The three judicial and two security officials spoke on condition of anonymity, because they weren't authorized to speak to the media about the case, which was still under investigation. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. — October 16, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

In Congress, the threat appeared limited to the Senate, though the House was monitoring the situation, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly. — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

If passed by a majority of Miami voters, Referendum 1 would authorize the City Commission to borrow about $450 million to upgrade or replace police and fire stations and build four new ones. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026