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
The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
—
Steve Inskeep, NPR, 14 July 2025
There’s an authoritative front grille and bumper, and revised rear tail lights.
—Josh Max, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
As mild-mannered Clark Kent and his powerful alter ego, who'd regularly save his pals Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, Reeves brought likability, honesty and an authoritative streak to the role that changed his life.
1.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 July 2025
In recent weeks, the administration took down past iterations of these climate assessments, which are the most authoritative reports on how climate change will affect the US.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
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Steve Inskeep, NPR, 14 July 2025
There’s an authoritative front grille and bumper, and revised rear tail lights.
—Josh Max, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
As mild-mannered Clark Kent and his powerful alter ego, who'd regularly save his pals Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, Reeves brought likability, honesty and an authoritative streak to the role that changed his life.
1.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 July 2025
In recent weeks, the administration took down past iterations of these climate assessments, which are the most authoritative reports on how climate change will affect the US.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 8 July 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 31 Jul. 2025.
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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