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

But Charter executives have discussed exiting that relationship, which guarantees the team about $200 million a year in revenue, according to people familiar with the company’s plans who were not authorized to comment. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Payne’s injury, which was not disclosed, is believed to be minor, according to a team source who was granted anonymity because they aren’t authorized to speak on the matter. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Agent identity, so a merchant knows the software asking to pay is real and authorized. — Lital Marom, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Independence voters will decide in November whether to authorize about $20 million in bond funding to fix up several local historic sites, which city officials had previously planned to sell. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026