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

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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

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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 Services follow authorized Anglican liturgies, including adaptations of the Book of Common Prayer, while incorporating local languages, musical traditions, and cultural practices. — Stephanie Triplettall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak to the media, said the missiles were fired from west of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. — Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 If approved, the city manager would be authorized to carry out the various agreements with the Royals and their affiliates, developers, incentive agencies and others to build the stadium. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026 Adapting to the new reality, Cuban authorities have authorized concessions to private importers to operate gas stations on the island. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for authorize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorize

Verb

The kind of research that AI might enable carries a lot of promise.

— Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026
His focus is on creating tangible value for customers by enabling data centers around the world to better plan, design, build, operate and scale their facilities.

— Ciaran Flanagan, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of enable

Verb

An initial compensation of 1 million baht (about $30,166) has been approved for six of the deceased victims, the statement said.

— Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
But while the new senator has championed some of her brother's priorities, like a Russia sanctions bill the Senate approved last week, she's also attempted to chart her own path.

— Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of approve

Verb

The number of high-earning solopreneurs is surging, empowered by AI tools that provide capabilities of larger teams, making self-employment increasingly attractive.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
The Chicago Ducky Derby is an annual event that raises funds for Special Olympics Illinois, an organization empowering athletes with disabilities.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of empower

Verb

Radar then scans across 14 federal and state programs to identify benefits users may qualify for, from disability and food assistance to tax credits.

— Victor Dey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
To qualify as a qualifying relative, the individual’s gross income must be less than $5,300 for 2026.

— Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of qualify

Verb

If ratified by voters, the amendment would give Marylanders the final say over any new congressional map through the constitutional amendment process.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
But after the production assistants unions ratified their first contracts in early July as the shows were on hiatus, those guarantees disappeared.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of ratify

Verb

Taillon has coughed up 25 home runs in 15 starts this season, allowing five in his previous two starts, ceding at least one in 12 turns and permitting multiple blasts in eight starts.

— Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Officials confirmed that the party was not permitted or sanctioned, and that the property owner was unaware that the field was being used for an event.

— Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of permit

Verb

Orange County Health Care Agency officials have confirmed the county's first human West Nile case of 2026, which some medical experts believe could be one of the worst mosquito seasons on record.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
On Monday, health officials in Michigan — which has the most cyclosporiasis cases — confirmed the first deaths linked to this outbreak in the United States.

— Lauren Dunn, NBC news, 5 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of authorize

verb

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