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
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
Her authoritative reporting and industry knowledge help readers and listeners better understand the space and inform critical business decisions.
—
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.
—Devon Akmon, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.
—Devon Akmon, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
The authoritative tone from the Air Force panel seemed to placate the press, even though officials never actually offered a definitive explanation.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
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Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.
—Devon Akmon, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.
—Devon Akmon, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
The authoritative tone from the Air Force panel seemed to placate the press, even though officials never actually offered a definitive explanation.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritative. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
authoritative
adjective
au·thor·i·ta·tive
ə-ˈthär-ə-ˌtāt-iv
ȯ-,
-ˈthȯr-
: having or coming from authority
authoritatively
adverb
authoritativeness
noun
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