AUTHORIZE Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

authorize

verb

ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz

Definition of authorize

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to entitle

to give a right to this pass will authorize you to go backstage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 authorize The three judicial and two security officials spoke on condition of anonymity, because they weren't authorized to speak to the media about the case, which was still under investigation. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. — October 16, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 In Congress, the threat appeared limited to the Senate, though the House was monitoring the situation, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly. — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 If passed by a majority of Miami voters, Referendum 1 would authorize the City Commission to borrow about $450 million to upgrade or replace police and fire stations and build four new ones. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for authorize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorize

Verb

That flexibility, whether enabled by SSTs or other controls, could lower costs and speed up grid connections.

— Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Chain bookselling, which enabled the unification of the reading market, was one of the first heralds of a globalizing age.

— Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of enable

Verb

Zedwell responded by asking to include a redevelopment break clause in the new lease that would entitle them to terminate the lease at 6 months’ notice at any time once the new lease has commenced.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
The allegations against him remain unproven, and he is entitled to the full protections of the United States Constitution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of entitle

Verb

Nations have another year, but much time is needed to adopt legislation on spending programs and approve it all so money can be flowing by January 2028.

— Lorne Cook, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Even though the board approved the landscaping at the meeting, Swift and Kelce will have to present a third plan at a future meeting.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of approve

Verb

Anura is the interface that empowers a small armored crew to seamlessly interact with everything from on-board mission systems to uncrewed teammates.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Olsen and the team created a factory right in the heart of town – employing, and empowering, a community in the process.

— Adam Duxter, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of empower

Verb

Under those rules, qualifying products generally must use yarn and fabric produced within participating countries to receive preferential tariff treatment.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, and early withdrawals may face penalties unless they’re used for qualifying expenses such as education or a first home, so families should review the tax rules before deciding how to use the money.

— Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of qualify

Verb

But many agreements need to be ratified in each country, leaving them at the mercy of domestic lobbies, from farmers to automakers, which seek to protect their markets at the expense of the continent’s collective interest.

— Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
To be ratified, the amendments need to only receive a majority of votes.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of ratify

Verb

Many of his domestic critics have faulted him for prolonging the war in Gaza to appease his far-right allies, and for permitting ultra-Orthodox Jews to forgo military service to appease that sizable religious voter bloc.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
The Vatican said that Leo had expressed deep concern about conditions in Oleshky and sought a ceasefire to permit aid deliveries and evacuations.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of permit

Verb

Representatives for Mandell’s family confirmed his death to The Times.

— Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Netflix staff were informed that the company will undergo significant layoffs Wednesday, a source confirms to The Hollywood Reporter, as the streaming giant seeks a reset amid efforts to keep its global business growing.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of confirm

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authorizations

authorize

authorized

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Style

“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorize. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of authorize

verb

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