Synonyms of empower

empower

verb

im-ˈpau̇(-ə)r 

1

as in to enable

to give official or legal power to

the federal agency empowered to collect taxes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enable
• authorize
• qualify
• allow
• permit
• certify
• invest
• entitle
• license
• charter
• warrant
• vest
• accredit
• commission
• approve
• affirm
• endorse
• validate
• let
• initiate
• confirm
• sanction
• install
• inaugurate
• OK
• induct
• privilege
• enfranchise
• clear
• credential
• swear in
• instate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prevent
• disqualify
• hinder
• discourage
• impede
• exclude
• deny
• stop
• inhibit
• constrain
• obstruct
• disallow
• shut out
• block
• prohibit
• bar
• hold back
• ban
• enjoin
• forbid
• disenfranchise
• disfranchise
• veto
• outlaw
• disbar
• proscribe
• interdict

2

as in to let

to make able or possible

workshops in financial management to empower workers to plan for their retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enable
• let
• allow
• permit
• prepare
• equip
• ready
• qualify
• approve
• endorse
• fit
• habilitate
• condition
• sanction

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prevent
• preclude
• inhibit
• prohibit
• forbid
• enjoin
• disallow

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of empower

Leibowitz ultimately framed the dispute not around whether noncitizens should vote, but around which level of government the Constitution empowers to decide who may participate in federal elections. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

Women have told Germino her plan to empower others is working. — Kara McGrath, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026

Hochul signed an executive order empowering the attorney general with criminal authority to investigate the allegations at Cornell, power to present to a grand jury, and ultimately bring charges, if warranted. — Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

An executive who wants to empower a team may need to stop making every decision. — Ricardo Bellino, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026