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
During the Mackinac Island trip, Mr. Nash’s team urged Ms. Bondi to avoid the matter and nudge other Republican attorneys general to do the same, according to two people who attended the event, who were not authorized to speak publicly because the conversations were supposed to be confidential.
—
Eric Lipton, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
The official spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
—Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to reveal details about the team’s coaching search.
—Tashan Reed, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
President Joe Biden in his 2020 campaign vowed to make pariahs out of Saudi royals after U.S. intelligence officials concluded that the crown prince authorized the killing of the U.S.-based journalist inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
—Ellen Knickmeyer, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for authorize 
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Eric Lipton, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
The official spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
—Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to reveal details about the team’s coaching search.
—Tashan Reed, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
President Joe Biden in his 2020 campaign vowed to make pariahs out of Saudi royals after U.S. intelligence officials concluded that the crown prince authorized the killing of the U.S.-based journalist inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
—Ellen Knickmeyer, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for authorize
Dictionary Entries Near authorize
Cite this Entry
“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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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