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
With an authoritative and rich baritone voice, Orion Samuelson delivered critical information for farmers across the Midwest during a 60-year career as WGN-AM radio’s agribusiness reporter.
—
Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
As these asset classes mature, losses are starting to materialize--although getting clear, authoritative data on their performance is more challenging than in public markets.
—Kelly Evans, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
Where correct identification of one fake image is used to cast doubt on real images, where incorrect detection is authoritative, and where all of it happens faster than any institution, newsroom, fact-checker, photo wire service, or platform can process.
—Mahsa Alimardani, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
The foundation of San Diego’s fast start has been an organized, increasingly authoritative defensive spine led by Christopher McVey, Manu Duah and Kieran Sargeant.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
As these asset classes mature, losses are starting to materialize--although getting clear, authoritative data on their performance is more challenging than in public markets.
—Kelly Evans, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
Where correct identification of one fake image is used to cast doubt on real images, where incorrect detection is authoritative, and where all of it happens faster than any institution, newsroom, fact-checker, photo wire service, or platform can process.
—Mahsa Alimardani, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
The foundation of San Diego’s fast start has been an organized, increasingly authoritative defensive spine led by Christopher McVey, Manu Duah and Kieran Sargeant.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritative. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
