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authoritative

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​ta·​tive ə-ˈthȯr-ə-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce authoritative (audio)
ȯ-
-ˈthär-
Synonyms of authoritativenext
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

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
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.
Initial screening was based on annual performance across two authoritative Tencent Music Chart rankings, the TME Uni Chart, which reflects mainstream popularity, and the TME Wave Chart, which showcases professional quality. Billboard China, Billboard, 3 Dec. 2025 This marks the first and only world record efficiency for a flexible crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cell certified by an international authoritative body in the global photovoltaic field, according to Longi. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025 In Utah, Miles joins a group led by Gillian (Brenneman), a no-nonsense leader who dishes out authoritative wisdom with a quirky passion born from her personal experiences. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 26 Nov. 2025 The Tigers mashed their foot on the gas, with Mitchell throwing down an authoritative dunk off a feed from Robinson. The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authoritative

Word History

Etymology

authority + -ative

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of authoritative was in 1606

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritative. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

authoritative

adjective
au·​thor·​i·​ta·​tive ə-ˈthär-ə-ˌtāt-iv How to pronounce authoritative (audio)
ȯ-
-ˈthȯr-
: having or coming from authority
authoritatively adverb
authoritativeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on authoritative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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