authorize
verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz 
authorized; authorizing; authorizes
1
: to endorse, empower, justify, or permit by or as if by some recognized or proper authority (such as custom, evidence, personal right, or regulating power)
a custom authorized by time
2
: to invest especially with legal authority : empower
He is authorized to act for his father.
3
archaic
: justify sense 1a
authorizer
noun
Synonyms
Examples of authorize in a Sentence
The city council authorized the sale of the land.
Who authorized the transfer of the funds?
Recent Examples on the Web
The leagues are once again negotiating their TV rights together, but the WNBA and NBA will have different term sheets, according to someone familiar with the current proposals who was not authorized to speak publicly.
—
Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 18 June 2024
Despite being authorized in 2021, only seven stations have opened so far using NEVI funding, prompting questions from Republicans about the program’s effectiveness.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 18 June 2024
The latest incident marks the first run-in between the two countries since a new law in China took effect Saturday to authorize its coast guard to seize foreign ships and detain crews suspected of trespassing for up to 60 days without trial.
—Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 18 June 2024
One category Centric doesn’t hold the license for is footwear, and Adidas is the company that is authorized to sell the official Messi soccer jersey and other products.
—Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for authorize 
Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 18 June 2024
Despite being authorized in 2021, only seven stations have opened so far using NEVI funding, prompting questions from Republicans about the program’s effectiveness.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 18 June 2024
The latest incident marks the first run-in between the two countries since a new law in China took effect Saturday to authorize its coast guard to seize foreign ships and detain crews suspected of trespassing for up to 60 days without trial.
—Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 18 June 2024
One category Centric doesn’t hold the license for is footwear, and Adidas is the company that is authorized to sell the official Messi soccer jersey and other products.
—Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for authorize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'authorize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near authorize
Cite this Entry
“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
authorize
verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give authority to
2
: to give legal or official approval to
authorization
noun
ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən
authorizer
noun
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrī-zər
Legal Definition
authorize
transitive verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give permission to
2
: to give authority to act to
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