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
Every Tuesday, this new newsletter delivers clear-eyed, authoritative intelligence on the deals, decisions, policies, and power shifts shaping one of the world’s most consequential regions, written for the people who need to act on it.
—
Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 9 June 2026
The annual ranking, long considered one of the restaurant industry's most authoritative lists, is curated by an independent academy of 300 culinary experts and honors destinations across North America that are pushing culinary boundaries while delivering exceptional dining experiences.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Midwest Living, 8 June 2026
Things like coverage, expert mentions, and authoritative external references.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Read the authoritative profile of how Wilson has worked to make Homer modern.
—Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
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Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 9 June 2026
The annual ranking, long considered one of the restaurant industry's most authoritative lists, is curated by an independent academy of 300 culinary experts and honors destinations across North America that are pushing culinary boundaries while delivering exceptional dining experiences.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Midwest Living, 8 June 2026
Things like coverage, expert mentions, and authoritative external references.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Read the authoritative profile of how Wilson has worked to make Homer modern.
—Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 2 June 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 13 Jun. 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
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