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
Francis ordered the Argentine criteria published as an official act of the Vatican and wrote a letter to the bishops declaring their interpretation authoritative.
—
ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
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
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
ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
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
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
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
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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
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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
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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
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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Hedrick also won a Fiesta Bowl, in 2014, and was hailed as one of the most accurate passers in the nation.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The rabbi is ornery, arrogant, sometimes cruel.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2026
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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
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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 2 Apr. 2026.
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