Definition of magisterial
1a (1) : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a master or teacher : authoritative (2) : marked by an overbearingly dignified or assured manner or aspectb : of, relating to, or required for a master's degree
2 : of or relating to a magistrate or a magistrate's office or duties
From the M-W Editors
Examples of magisterial in a Sentence
He spoke with a magisterial tone.
a magisterial biography of Thomas Jefferson that has never been superseded
Recent Examples of magisterial from the Web
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Since then, two other magisterial inquiries have been opened after money laundering and kickback allegations were made against Schembri by opposition Nationalist leader Simon Busuttil.
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Since then, two other magisterial inquiries have been opened after opposition Nationalist leader Simon Busuttil lodged money laundering and kickback allegations against Schembri.
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A magisterial inquiry of the allegations is ongoing.
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None of the other memorials on the Mall, completed or proposed, has sought to be so large and magisterial, traditionally monumental even.
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Spencer’s work has a magisterial quality; some of it has the feel of photographic painting.
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The Polish avant-garde painter Wladyslaw Strzeminski (Boguslaw Linda in a magisterial performance) is the subject of Andrzej Wajda’s final film.
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Magisterial as the literal lord of the manor, his Sir John Talbot dominates from the sidelines as bodies pile up every full moon in the forests within trotting distance of his estate.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'magisterial'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of magisterial
Late Latin magisterialis of authority, from magisterium office of a master, from magister
Synonym Discussion of magisterial
MAGISTERIAL Defined for English Language Learners
magisterial
playDefinition of magisterial for English Language Learners
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: showing impressive knowledge about a subject
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: having the confident quality of someone who expects to be obeyed by other people
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: of or relating to a magistrate
Learn More about magisterial
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See words that rhyme with magisterial Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for magisterial Britannica English: Translation of magisterial for Arabic speakers
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