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
At least 302 people have been released as of Thursday, according to the organization Foro Penal, though its tally is far lower than the more than 800 reported by authorities.
—
Anabella González, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
Lemon made his first public comments after federal authorities arrested him on Thursday for partaking in an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church earlier this month.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
During the hearings this week, police investigators involved in the case testified that authorities found Nanita’s palm print on the storage bin.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
There are thousands of instances every year when someone is shot by law enforcement, Blanche said, but not all are investigated by federal authorities.
—Michael Biesecker, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
According to a list of demands posted at the front doors of the mayor’s office, the activists were demanding clarification of the city’s policies regarding police interaction with immigration authorities.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Some travelers argued with police and insisted on continuing toward Murree, officials said, even as authorities said dozens of vehicles parked outside hotels in the area had been buried under heavy snowfall.
—Arkansas Online, 24 Jan. 2026
During the search, authorities seized two rifles, two shotguns and one handgun, along with ammunition, prosecutors said.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Ramirez survived the initial shooting but died later that morning at a hospital, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Anabella González, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
Lemon made his first public comments after federal authorities arrested him on Thursday for partaking in an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church earlier this month.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
During the hearings this week, police investigators involved in the case testified that authorities found Nanita’s palm print on the storage bin.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
There are thousands of instances every year when someone is shot by law enforcement, Blanche said, but not all are investigated by federal authorities.
—Michael Biesecker, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
According to a list of demands posted at the front doors of the mayor’s office, the activists were demanding clarification of the city’s policies regarding police interaction with immigration authorities.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Some travelers argued with police and insisted on continuing toward Murree, officials said, even as authorities said dozens of vehicles parked outside hotels in the area had been buried under heavy snowfall.
—Arkansas Online, 24 Jan. 2026
During the search, authorities seized two rifles, two shotguns and one handgun, along with ammunition, prosecutors said.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Ramirez survived the initial shooting but died later that morning at a hospital, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorities
Noun
-
Harvard experts recommend eating more slowly and paying attention to each bite — without distractions like phones or TV — to better recognize fullness cues and avoid overeating.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Gambling addiction experts have credited the wide receiver for changing lives.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
During last week’s legislative hearing in Sacramento, other speakers stressed the importance of communicating clearly with the public, collaborating with nonprofits and county governments and bracing for an influx of hospital patients.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Some major private donors are withdrawing contributions in disgust, and the federal and some state governments, as well as the courts, have attacked higher education’s administrative bloat and anti-merit DEI policies.—
Richard K. Vedder,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Chef Carter mixes regional influences with local produce and global touches to develop an unforgettable culinary experience in the Lowcountry.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The spa The full-service spa with 10 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms is permeated with Asian influences in its interior design—there’s a central stone courtyard with a reflection pond and Zen meditation garden—and its treatment menu.—
Lizbeth Scordo,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
All of its radiance-granting powers are effectively put towards a scent that comes alive with glowy warmth, courtesy of the mandarin, magnolia, coconut, sandalwood, and other ingredients found within.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
30 Jan. 2026
-
When cable was at the height of its powers in 2010, approximately 105 million Americans bought into the bundle.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For these reasons, snow mushrooms are a good choice for dry skin but can also be appropriate for all skin types.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said the forklift program stands out for many reasons.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Former cable news anchor Don Lemon was arrested Thursday night, his attorney and multiple sources with direct knowledge told CBS News on Friday.—
Lilia Luciano,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
-
According to multiple sources familiar with the deal, who asked not to be named to protect relationships, a small fee was ultimately paid to City to formally appoint Taylor in August, a month before the contract expired.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Dempsey was one of 150 scholars selected from more than 5,800 applicants, representing 83 universities and 40 countries.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
These results in economics ultimately vindicate foundational ideas in sociology—developed by scholars such as William Julius Wilson and Robert Sampson—that the concentration of disadvantage and social isolation worsen the effects of material disadvantage.—
Idrees Kahloon,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
These may include skipping meals, ignoring hunger clues, relying on rigid food rules and cutting out entire food groups, according to Garcia-Benson.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Seat-time rules should never be the reason a capable student fails.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authorities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorities. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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