1
2
3
4
5
as in reason
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 source
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

7

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun authority contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of authority are command, control, dominion, jurisdiction, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

When is command a more appropriate choice than authority?

While the synonyms command and authority are close in meaning, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When would control be a good substitute for authority?

The meanings of control and authority largely overlap; however, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When might dominion be a better fit than authority?

The words dominion and authority can be used in similar contexts, but dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When can jurisdiction be used instead of authority?

In some situations, the words jurisdiction and authority are roughly equivalent. However, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

In what contexts can power take the place of authority?

The words power and authority are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When could sway be used to replace authority?

The synonyms sway and authority are sometimes interchangeable, but sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of authority The Administration has also used international students as a bargaining chip to compel university administrations to comply with certain demands, such as by attempting to revoke Harvard University’s authority to enroll international students. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Aug. 2025 But the judge in charge argued authorities had to watch Body of Lies before sentencing Farahani. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025 Issuing second offenses for reckless driving has been a point of emphasis for authorities and prosecutors since late 2024, when officials announced new measures to combat reckless driving. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025 In a co-founder startup, there are myriad — voting rights, intellectual property ownership, equity, vesting, salary, title, money, authority, etc. Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for authority
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authority
Noun
  • Some cybersecurity experts disputed Musk’s claims that a state actor was responsible.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • There are many creative ways to squeeze more walking into your day, experts said.
    Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Dale has state government, education, radio and television experience as well.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Grant spearheaded the government’s defense to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline after environmental groups filed a lawsuit opposing the $8 billion tunnel through the Appalachian Trial to deliver natural gas, according to his biography posted on Hicks Thomas’ website.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • More than one third of the world’s clothing is designed by brands with Lectra technologies, according to the company’s data, reflecting its widespread behind-the-scenes influence in manufacturing.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The group combines country, Western, rock and roll, pop and surf rock with soundtrack and new age influences, and has been praised by outlets like The Wall Street Journal.
    Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Such programming has been a major hit for Netflix since debuting WWE Raw in January, and Disney is clearly hoping for something of the same regular tune-in power for its sports app.
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power.
    Lisa Song, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Our creative and marketing teams form the largest portion of our workforce—and for good reason.
    Anatolii Kasianov, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Some states permit universal mail-in voting, for example, where anyone can vote by mail for any reason.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The agreement is currently awaiting approval from the NFL, according to one of the sources.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Only one name came up: Michael V. Radtke Jr. Hunter dug deeper and checked the sources that the artificial intelligence relied on.
    John Wisely, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Rihanna has long been the master of maternity fashion.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The former Florida Gator, entrepreneur, and master’s student returns to elite after her final season in the NCAA.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Timing players is part of the rules, but it is not applied homogeneously in different tournaments and circumstances.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
  • This means knowing that AI has a purpose and a set of rules, and that it can be biased or flawed.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Authority.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authority. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on authority

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!