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 platforms that win will be the ones enabling accountable data access and transparent decision-making, not those hiding behind complexity.
—
Ivan Guzenko, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Due to Climate Change Rising temperatures and resilient grapes have enabled Denmark and Sweden to produce unique wines.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
The fiber is engineered to perform like traditional Lycra fiber, enabling a seamless transition for brands, mills and consumers alike.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
For nearly 25 years, GoPro cameras have gone underwater, glided with parachutes and slipped down ski slopes, enabling the adventurous to record images of their experiences.
—CBS News, 11 June 2026
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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Ivan Guzenko, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Due to Climate Change Rising temperatures and resilient grapes have enabled Denmark and Sweden to produce unique wines.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
The fiber is engineered to perform like traditional Lycra fiber, enabling a seamless transition for brands, mills and consumers alike.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
For nearly 25 years, GoPro cameras have gone underwater, glided with parachutes and slipped down ski slopes, enabling the adventurous to record images of their experiences.
—CBS News, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for enable
Cite this Entry
“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enable. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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