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

Republicans ran on small government but militarized ICE domestically, empowering state actors to hold people without due process. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Patriarchal norms are increasingly challenged by women empowered by progressive legislation that requires half of political parties’ candidates to be women and, at least on paper, guarantees women’s access to land ownership. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

The Milk Makeup Visionary Funds Scholarship empowers the next generation of people on the path to a career in fashion. — Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Once that safety is established, Park is able to help his students feel empowered by their story, Mejia said. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026