1
as in expert
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
the leading authority on neural anatomy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in government
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation)
the sheriff had authority over the whole county
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in influence
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
speaks with a persuasive authority on matters of public health
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in power
the right or means to command or control others
by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in reason
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
I had good authority to believe that the information was correct
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
7
as in effectiveness
the capacity to persuade
a strict grammarian whose pronouncements carried plenty of authority with my third-grade English teacher
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of authority
When the poacher's trip had badly injured Jacob during the pandemic, wildlife veterinarians, conservation groups and park authorities worked together to save his life.
—
Sarah Kingdom,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
The Constitution provides that states have the primary control and authority over how elections and voting are conducted.
—
Letters To The Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2026
Information about any suspects or the victims of gunfire has not been released by authorities.
—
Rebecca Hyman,
USA Today,
27 June 2026
Lexington Police Department Moore’s body was found Wednesday afternoon near a gym that she was seen leaving on June 11 in Lexington, a city of roughly 23,000 west of Columbia, authorities said.
—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for authority
Sarah Kingdom,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
The Constitution provides that states have the primary control and authority over how elections and voting are conducted.
—
Letters To The Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2026
Information about any suspects or the victims of gunfire has not been released by authorities.
—
Rebecca Hyman,
USA Today,
27 June 2026
Lexington Police Department Moore’s body was found Wednesday afternoon near a gym that she was seen leaving on June 11 in Lexington, a city of roughly 23,000 west of Columbia, authorities said.
—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for authority
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authority
Noun
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Legislative expert and law professor Chris Micheli said lawmakers frequently include controversial provisions in bills during the early stages of the legislative process.
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Given the significance of the peace deal, experts said Pakistan will certainly want to leverage its mediation role for economic benefit, particularly in its dealings with allies in Washington and the Gulf.
Noun
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The order aimed to create a voluntary mechanism for AI companies to give the government early access to their most advanced systems, allowing officials to vet the models for security risks before their public release.
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Nathan Freed Wessler, deputy director of the ACLU's speech, privacy and technology project, said the First Amendment guarantees the right to criticize the government.
Noun
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Its influence traveled through a globally recognizable set of products and ideals, all centered on the American Dream.
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He was raised in Tiberias and Eilat, outside Israel’s traditional centers of power and influence.
Noun
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How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
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He was raised in Tiberias and Eilat, outside Israel’s traditional centers of power and influence.
Noun
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There are good reasons to do so again, though as contenders acquiring young talent is not a necessity for the Pacers.
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However, Gen Zers also cited reasons for not finding such meaning.
Noun
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The source claimed that the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star checked into the facility voluntarily.
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are expected to take over Madison Square Garden for two events celebrating their wedding, ABC News and CNN reported on June 30, citing sources familiar with the plans.
Noun
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As electronic warfare capabilities continue to proliferate, maintaining navigation and mission effectiveness without constant access to satellite signals has become increasingly important.
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There may be an issue with how the pills dissolve, which could impact their effectiveness.
Noun
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Owing to lengthy maturation cycles, these inaugural releases are rums influenced by the craft and stewardship of three generations of Mount Gay master blenders.
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But according to master distiller Brent Elliott, this cask finishing project started well before either of those things were a reality.
Cite this Entry
“Authority.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authority. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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