enable

verb

i-ˈnā-bəl How to pronounce enable (audio)
Definition of enablenext
1
as in to let
to make able or possible my new glasses enable me to read the fine print

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to empower
to give official or legal power to a law that would enable the authorities to inspect food preparation areas for health code violations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of enable Westend61 | Westend61 | Getty Images CNBC Cures is proudly underwritten by Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, whose support enables our journalism to elevate stories that advance research, innovation and patient care in rare diseases. — Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 Purchases of call options, which enable investors to bet on the market going even higher, reached record levels. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Confirm that two-factor authentication remains enabled and review the devices connected to your Apple Account. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 In the late 1940s, the invention of the automatic shut-off gas nozzle enabled consumers to safely fill their own tanks without spilling gasoline or sparking a fire. — Jason Dressel, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enable
  1. let
  2. empower
  3. allow
  4. authorize
  5. qualify
Verb
  • The many windows let natural light stream in through the view of the surrounding live oaks.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Twitch had a simple justification for letting its parent company, Amazon, use streamers’ content to train generative AI by default.
    — Angela Yang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of let
Verb
  • This year’s main beneficiary is OCA (Opportunity, Community, Ability), an organization that empowers individuals with autism and other developmental differences.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This reform aims to empower CFOs to ensure financial integrity without fear of reprisal, mirroring the Fed's independence from political pressure.
    — Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of empower
Verb
  • Whisenhunt had struggled in his last three starts leading up to Tuesday, allowing 14 earned runs and walking nine batters over his last 11 2/3 innings.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Researchers in South Korea have recently developed a novel 3D printing method that allows soft actuators made from a single material to stretch or contract when exposed to heat.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of allow
Verb
  • Among them is the Special Immigrant Visa for Afghans, which was authorized in 2009.
    — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Mason is flying back to Indianapolis with the team Thursday night, according to a team source not authorized to speak publicly, with further evaluation slated for Friday and the coming days.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of authorize
Verb
  • But with fewer midweek fixtures this season due to their failure to qualify for European football, Alonso’s setup is surely going to adapt depending on the opponents anyway.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Somewhere in all these meetings is WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who runs a women's league that still can't settle on who qualifies as a woman.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of qualify

Browse Nearby Words

emulsions
enable
enabled
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Cite this Entry

“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enable. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on enable

Nglish: Translation of enable for Spanish Speakers

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