1
as in definitive
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
this book is considered the most authoritative source on that subject
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in influential
having power over the minds or behavior of others
after a couple of authoritative critics panned the movie, the other reviewers rushed to say how awful it was
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in authoritarian
fond of ordering people around
she's very authoritative for someone who doesn't actually outrank us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of authoritative
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
For the most current information, the official Florida State Parks website serves as the authoritative source.
—Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
Smits is authoritative as Joe, a man who works tirelessly to protect his family.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Scammers can now generate realistic voices that sound calm and authoritative.
—Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
For the most current information, the official Florida State Parks website serves as the authoritative source.
—Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
Smits is authoritative as Joe, a man who works tirelessly to protect his family.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Scammers can now generate realistic voices that sound calm and authoritative.
—Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
He then was sent back to the IceHogs, a somewhat surprising move given the Hawks’ need for a definitive shooter outside of Bedard.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
According to Federal Donuts Founders In addition to recipes, the new Federal Donuts book also includes a definitive guide to donuts across the country.—
David Farley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Some of the world’s wealthiest and most influential people remain deadset on leaving Earth behind for a new life in outer space.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Midfielder Lasse Berg Johnsen is already influential in orchestrating the offense.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Organizers and protesters fear America is on a path toward authoritarian rule.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The President has, in ICE, a quasi-authoritarian force at his disposal.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The plush red seats of the Concertgebouw's main auditorium are occupied by students cramming for upcoming exams and finishing dissertations as classical music fills the hall.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Supporters say introductory courses had become too focused on contemporary social-justice frameworks and that the new standards restore an emphasis on classical thinkers, empirical methods and a broader range of perspectives.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Netflix’s domineering presence, one that permeated every corner of a typically sacred day at the ballpark, had mercifully evaporated.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Wrapping production last October, Carrie is described as a reimagining of the story of misfit high schooler Carrie White, who has spent her life in seclusion with her domineering mother.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Weather apps have a tendency to alienate their user bases, perhaps because people’s physical experiences—their plans, their dress, their commutes—so directly depend on an accurate report.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The rabbi is ornery, arrogant, sometimes cruel.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations.—
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Routes to reception and the concierge are also accessible, and hotel staffers receive comprehensive training on the requirements of the ADA and Human Rights Code.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
AcePDF Converter & Editor provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing PDF documents without requiring multiple apps.—
StackCommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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