1
as in experts
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
the leading authority on neural anatomy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in governments
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation)
the sheriff had authority over the whole county
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in influences
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
speaks with a persuasive authority on matters of public health
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in powers
the right or means to command or control others
by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in reasons
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
I had good authority to believe that the information was correct
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in sources
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information
the Bible is the sole authority for his impassioned defense of creationism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of authorities
Police were called to the elementary and middle school, and authorities are now working to identify the deceased individual.
—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
Four men stole more than half a million dollars from Connecticut ATMs and have been charged in federal court, authorities said.
—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
But authorities said two identification cards were also found in Horsch’s vehicle and raised more questions.
—
Danny Freeman,
CNN Money,
1 July 2026
Family members of Leatherwood identified Rodriguez as one of the suspects, though local and federal authorities had not initially confirmed that connection publicly.
—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
27 June 2026
Two weeks ago, Lutnick invoked export control authorities to require Anthropic to shut off access to its two most capable systems, Mythos 5 and Fable 5, citing threats to national security.
—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
In October, new information confirmed Vander Meer’s relationship with SH, prompting authorities to renew the investigation.
—
Kori McNair,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
Guajardo also warned people against interfering with immigration authorities without the proper training.
—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2026
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
Four men stole more than half a million dollars from Connecticut ATMs and have been charged in federal court, authorities said.
—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
But authorities said two identification cards were also found in Horsch’s vehicle and raised more questions.
—
Danny Freeman,
CNN Money,
1 July 2026
Family members of Leatherwood identified Rodriguez as one of the suspects, though local and federal authorities had not initially confirmed that connection publicly.
—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
27 June 2026
Two weeks ago, Lutnick invoked export control authorities to require Anthropic to shut off access to its two most capable systems, Mythos 5 and Fable 5, citing threats to national security.
—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
In October, new information confirmed Vander Meer’s relationship with SH, prompting authorities to renew the investigation.
—
Kori McNair,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
Guajardo also warned people against interfering with immigration authorities without the proper training.
—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorities
Noun
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Atlanta experts in fitness and nutrition say the World Cup offers a rare opportunity for people to turn inspiration into action.
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The experts say that alone is a red flag.
Noun
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On Friday, the Israeli and Lebanese governments agreed a process by which the Lebanese military (LAF) would gradually take control of zones in southern Lebanon.
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The findings come as governments around the world, including the UK, have proposed social media bans of their own.
Noun
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The hillside home has been thoughtfully restored and updated with Scandinavian and Japanese design influences.
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For Sirmans, those influences give the exhibition a particular resonance in Miami.
Noun
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Toph escapes the clutches of her mother — who poisoned and kidnapped her — by revealing her earthbending powers, breaking out of the metal cage to rejoin Team Avatar.
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That may have been acceptable in the decades following the Cold War, but today's geopolitical environment is pushing both major and mid-sized military powers to prioritize advanced weapon systems that can be manufactured quickly, in large numbers, and at lower cost.
Noun
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Both Kurtz and Langeliers cited workload and the need for rest during the long Major League Baseball season as reasons for their lack of interest.
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Many areas have been exempted for a variety of reasons, including lots in hillside fire zones and lots in Historic Protection Overlay Zones.
Noun
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The budget is also expected to include additional funding for Fair Fares and NYC Kids RISE, a college savings plan program, sources told The News.
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Late last week, it was reported that Mangione had been in talks with federal prosecutors about a possible plea deal, but that had fallen aside, sources familiar with the matter said.
Noun
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The manuscript, a treatise of Epicurean philosophy also likely written by Philodemus, was entirely unknown to scholars before the Challenge.
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Electronic dance music scholars have noted that countercultural scenes have shifted into a global industry, reshaping or erasing local meanings in favor of commercialization.
Noun
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First, President Dillon asked for existing data centers to be grandfathered in the ordinance, meaning operating data centers can expand without following these rules.
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Under federal rules, if a complaint about an infant formula — such as a report of an adverse event — shows a possible health hazard, the company must investigate.
Cite this Entry
“Authorities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorities. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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