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

Synonyms of authoritative

• definitive
• classical
• accurate
• comprehensive
• classic
• magisterial
• official

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

BigXthaPlug, a Dallas, Texas, vocalist with a deep, grainy, and authoritative mic presence, is one of the most intriguing voices in years. — Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026

His Picard is authoritative, with none of the friendly push and pull with his underlings that Kirk had. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Meghan's spokesperson subsequently acknowledged the discrepancy, saying the police's timestamped records should be treated as authoritative. — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Although nonbinding, policy recommendations from this collaboration would provide authoritative guidance on how to strengthen defense industrial security. — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

authority + -ative

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for authoritative

• accommodative
• accumulative
• adjudicative
• administrative
• affiliative
• agglutinative
• ameliorative
• appreciative
• assimilative
• associative
• collaborative
• cooperative

Kids Definition

authoritative

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​ta·​tive ə-ˈthär-ə-ˌtāt-iv 

ȯ-, 

-ˈthȯr-

: having or coming from authority

authoritatively adverb

authoritativeness noun