enabled; enabling
i-ˈnā-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to provide with the means or opportunity
training that enables people to earn a living
b
: to make possible, practical, or easy
a deal that would enable passage of a new law
c
: to cause to operate
software that enables the keyboard
2
: to give legal power, capacity, or sanction to
a law enabling admission of a state
Did you know?
Enabling: The Behavior of an Enabler
Enable has a number of senses, most of which are some variant on allowing someone (or something, such as enabling cookies on a computer) to do something. In the past several decades, enable has also started to take on a new associated sense in the field of addiction studies, where enabling is viewed as giving misguided support to a person with some substance-abuse issue. A person who facilitates the self-destructive behavior of another is referred to as an enabler.
Examples of enable in a Sentence
The machine enables us to create copies without losing quality.
The system enables students to access class materials online.
These choices are part of what enabled the company to be successful.
a filing system that enables easy access to information
Be sure to enable your computer's firewall.
Recent Examples on the Web
The devices enabled vehicles to far exceed legal limits for nitrogen oxides, a pollutant that can cause respiratory illnesses and contributes to smog.
—
CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Kupper’s legislation would enable the Arizona Department of Transportation to authorize de-restricted speed zones for non-commercial vehicles during the daytime on qualifying rural interstate highways.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 22 Dec. 2025
So there was something jarring in the news Monday of the Chiefs’ upcoming move to Kansas for funding that will enable the franchise to build a multi-billion dollar domed stadium in Wyandotte County.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Dec. 2025
With more than 150 design enhancements, the platform offers next-generation 3D imaging, advanced tremor and vibration control for smoother movements, and Force Feedback technology that enables surgeons to sense and measure pressure applied to tissue.
—Memorialcare Medical Group, Oc Register, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enable
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Kupper’s legislation would enable the Arizona Department of Transportation to authorize de-restricted speed zones for non-commercial vehicles during the daytime on qualifying rural interstate highways.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 22 Dec. 2025
So there was something jarring in the news Monday of the Chiefs’ upcoming move to Kansas for funding that will enable the franchise to build a multi-billion dollar domed stadium in Wyandotte County.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Dec. 2025
With more than 150 design enhancements, the platform offers next-generation 3D imaging, advanced tremor and vibration control for smoother movements, and Force Feedback technology that enables surgeons to sense and measure pressure applied to tissue.
—Memorialcare Medical Group, Oc Register, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enable
Cite this Entry
“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enable. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.
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