authoritative

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​ta·​tive ə-ˈthȯr-ə-ˌtā-tiv 

ȯ-,

-ˈthär-

1

: having, marked by, or proceeding from authority

authoritative church doctrines

an authoritative decision

an authoritative manner

2

: possessing recognized or evident authority : clearly accurate or knowledgeable

an authoritative critique

an authoritative source of information

authoritatively adverb

authoritativeness noun

Synonyms

• classic
• classical
• definitive
• magisterial

Examples of authoritative in a Sentence

The book is an authoritative guide to the city's restaurants.

His manner is polite but authoritative.

She addressed the group with an authoritative voice.

Recent Examples on the Web

This data, derived from monitoring authoritative B2B websites, generates hundreds of millions of interest signals annually, guiding campaigns toward prospects actively seeking what clients offer. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024

In the end, Morawska was instrumental in convincing the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other authoritative bodies to recognize that the coronavirus could be transmitted via air – or more specifically, via the exhalation and inhalation of virus-laden aerosols. —Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Gentle parenting is a subtype of authoritative parenting, which is accepted as the healthiest of the three core parenting styles. —Tyler Santora, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024

Active voice makes your writing more direct and lively, giving your words an authoritative ring. —Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

The movie celebrates the beloved author (and author of Beloved) who became one of the most authoritative voices on race, privilege, and raw emotion in American history. —Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2024

The California Energy Commission provides authoritative data on statewide ZEV sales, and their online graphics illustrate the accepted meaning of the ZEV misnomer in governmental nomenclature. —Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2024

With the exception of Hearn, who had a polished manner and dressed sharply, the witnesses had the air of technologists: softly spoken and somewhat awkward, but quietly authoritative. —Joel Khalili, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2024

SurveyMonkey, best known for its online survey tools, is among employers taking a less authoritative approach to flexible work, and has allowed workers to choose their own work arrangements since 2021. —Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

authority + -ative

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

authoritative

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​ta·​tive ə-ˈthär-ə-ˌtāt-iv 

ȯ-,

-ˈthȯr-

: having or coming from authority

authoritatively adverb

authoritativeness noun