Definition of authoritative
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
adverbauthoritativeness
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
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 of authoritative from the Web
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There is no single authoritative source on the electorate’s makeup.
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This is obviously troubling, even if the report itself isn’t exactly authoritative.
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The practice is outlined in the hadiths, or sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, which are regarded as less authoritative than the Quran but still influential in shaping Islamic doctrine.
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And so on, The Complete and Authoritative Litany, for the next 200 pages.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'authoritative'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of authoritative
see authority
First Known Use: 1606
AUTHORITATIVE Defined for English Language Learners
authoritative
playDefinition of authoritative for English Language Learners
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: having or showing impressive knowledge about a subject
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: having the confident quality of someone who is respected or obeyed by other people
AUTHORITATIVE Defined for Kids
authoritative
playDefinition of authoritative for Students
: having or coming from authority an authoritative order
authoritatively
adverbLearn More about authoritative
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See words that rhyme with authoritative Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for authoritative Spanish Central: Translation of authoritative Nglish: Translation of authoritative for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of authoritative for Arabic speakers
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