as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough a magisterial biography of Thomas Jefferson that has never been superseded

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective magisterial contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of magisterial are dictatorial, doctrinaire, dogmatic, and oracular. While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

When is it sensible to use dictatorial instead of magisterial?

The words dictatorial and magisterial can be used in similar contexts, but dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

When would doctrinaire be a good substitute for magisterial?

While in some cases nearly identical to magisterial, doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

In what contexts can dogmatic take the place of magisterial?

While the synonyms dogmatic and magisterial are close in meaning, dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When might oracular be a better fit than magisterial?

Although the words oracular and magisterial have much in common, oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Examples of magisterial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This magisterial four-volume history (now updated to 2020), discusses the development of every Porsche, including the 908. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2024 The hotel is housed in the former stock exchange of Venice, a fittingly magisterial building on the Calle Larga XXII Marzo, a prime shopping street just off the Piazza San Marco. Zoe Dubno, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2024 Ephemeral greatness preserved, artistic values clarified and magisterial writing demonstrating, through its own excellence, what ought to matter. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2024 Justin Mohn was denied bail and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 8, according to a criminal docket filed with a magisterial district judge. Jintak Han, Washington Post, 31 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for magisterial 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magisterial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Magisterial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magisterial. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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