authorize
verb (used with object)
to give authority or official power to; empower.
had authorized
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past perfectof authorize.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The court said it knew of no previous president who privately funded the demolition of a substantial portion of the White House that Congress had authorized and taxpayers had funded.
From Salon ● Aug. 9, 2026
At the same time, the company said in a release that its board had authorized a new $1 billion buyback program.
From MarketWatch ● May 7, 2026
The company also said its board had authorized a new $20 billion share buyback program.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 28, 2026
On Tuesday, GM raised its dividend by 20 percent and announced it had authorized $6 billion in new share repurchases.
From Barron's ● Jan. 27, 2026
Besides increasing advisors, he had authorized the spraying of highly toxic Agent Orange and other defoliants to destroy enemy cover in the jungle, as well as rice crops in areas controlled by the Viet Cong.
From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge
