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
Silver’s background played an instrumental role in the NBA building a credible and authoritative case to expel Ballmer’s predecessor, Donald Sterling, as Clippers owner after Sterling’s racist comments led to NBA players threatening a boycott and sponsors cutting ties with the Clippers.
—
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 June 2026
Every major enterprise platform – ERP for finance, CRM for customers, ITSM for service – matured by becoming the authoritative record for its domain.
—Pranay Ahlawat, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Unlike Diller’s, hers was laid-back and authoritative, with echoes of Miranda Priestly (another stylish doyenne with a beleaguered protégée).
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
Loving Venus in your sign squares authoritative Saturn in your 10th House of Career, so self-care and duty compete for space.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
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Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 June 2026
Every major enterprise platform – ERP for finance, CRM for customers, ITSM for service – matured by becoming the authoritative record for its domain.
—Pranay Ahlawat, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Unlike Diller’s, hers was laid-back and authoritative, with echoes of Miranda Priestly (another stylish doyenne with a beleaguered protégée).
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
Loving Venus in your sign squares authoritative Saturn in your 10th House of Career, so self-care and duty compete for space.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 28 May 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 6 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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