warrant

USAGE SUMMARY

Warrant is a correctly spelled word and is widely used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an order issued by a court, a document giving the holder legal authority to do something, or a guarantee or promise. Example sentence: The police presented the suspect with a warrant to search his apartment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant".

The New York Times

A few months later a warrant was issued," he said.

The Guardian

Authorities were seeking a warrant to search the computer, he said.

The Guardian

"I'm for looking at all of the terrorists' records – I just want their name on the warrant and I just want it to be signed by a judge just like the constitution says".

The Guardian

This selling of New Zealand items is a direct violation of New Zealand Protected Objects Act and might warrant further action by the New Zealand government," McAfee's report said.

The Guardian

Monday's ruling found that a search warrant was indeed needed for a final day's worth of tweets by Harris as they fell within a timeline laid out in federal law.

The Guardian

Federal police will gain the power to secretly search a terrorism suspect's home, enter through an innocent neighbour's property and impersonate people, without having to notify the subjects of the warrant for six months or more.

The Guardian

The counter-terrorism bill's explanatory notes said the changes would allow the Australian Federal Police (AFP) "to conduct searches of a warrant premises without the occupier's knowledge and without notifying the occupier of the premises at the time the warrant is executed".

The Guardian

"In addition, the executing officer or a person assisting is empowered to leave a warrant premise temporarily and subsequently re-enter to continue the execution of the warrant in certain instances where, for example, the occupier returns home and the covert nature of the warrant is at risk.

The Guardian

"The career I have had should warrant me getting a job," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Ukraine's acting interior minister, Arsen Avakhov, said on his official Facebook page on Monday that a warrant had been issued for the arrest of Yanukovych and several other officials for the "mass killing of civilians".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal contexts, ensure you understand the specific type of "warrant" being referenced, such as an arrest "warrant" or a search "warrant", as each has distinct legal implications.

Common error

Avoid using "warrant" when you mean "warranty". "Warrant" typically implies justification or authorization, while "warranty" refers to a guarantee on a product or service.

Linguistic Context

The word "warrant" functions as both a noun, denoting an official document or authorization (like a search "warrant"), and as a verb, meaning to justify or guarantee. This dual functionality is supported by Ludwig, which provides various examples of its use in both forms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "warrant" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb, signifying authorization or justification. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and showcases its frequent usage in News & Media, plus its applications in Formal & Business settings. When writing, remember to differentiate "warrant" from "warranty", and carefully choose the correct sense to ensure clarity. Use "warrant" to empower actions or support decisions with authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justify

Focuses on providing a valid reason or explanation.

authorize

Emphasizes granting permission or legal power.

guarantee

Highlights assurance or promise of a specific outcome or quality.

sanction

Implies official approval or permission.

endorse

Suggests public support or approval.

validate

Focuses on confirming the accuracy or legitimacy.

substantiate

Implies providing evidence to support a claim.

necessitate

Highlights that something is required or unavoidable.

call for

Emphasizes a need or demand for something.

give cause for

Suggests that something creates a reason or justification.

FAQs

How is "warrant" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "warrant" often refers to a judicial writ authorizing an officer to make a search, seizure, or arrest. For example, authorities might seek a "search warrant".

Can "warrant" be used as a verb?

Yes, "warrant" can be used as a verb. It means to justify, guarantee, or authorize something. For example, "circumstances arose that "justified the use" of lethal force".

What's a good substitute for "warrant" when it means 'to justify'?

If you mean 'to justify', you can use alternatives like "justify", "call for", or "give cause for".

What is the difference between "warrant" and "warranty"?

"Warrant" refers to a justification or authorization, while "warranty" is a guarantee, typically on a product. Don't confuse the two!