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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

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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

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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 New York authorities identify possible Gilgo Beach victim known as 'Peaches' New York authorities on Wednesday announced the identity of a possible Gilgo Beach serial killer victim known as 'Peaches,' whose torso was found in a park in Lakeview, New York, in 1997. Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Unlike medicine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t have the authority to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before the products are sold to the public. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025 Zozo said the acquisition of Lyst will form the cornerstone of its international expansion strategy, while Lyst’s brand authority and intelligence will be further strengthened by leveraging Zozo’s market leadership in Japan. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025 Three suspects are in custody after a hit-and-run on the 134 Freeway led to a manhunt in Eagle Rock and a police shooting, authorities said. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authority
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authority
Noun
  • Many lawmakers and industry experts around the country have also deemed EV mandates unworkable due to insufficient charging infrastructure.
    Albert R. Wynn, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Even if a patient doesn’t have the budget to meet their aesthetic treatment goals, an expert can at least guide them to best at-home skincare and practices.
    Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The government responded an hour later that the mother had been released in Honduras, the filing states.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • As customers drank around them, talk turned to Louna’s exclusion from the MTV show, which Leake blamed on the Russian government.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Advocacy, messaging and partnerships must go where the influence is moving.
    Toby Wong, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Hugo saw that something as simple as shoes could be solved with the right approach and insights, cementing his belief in the power of technology to solve real-world problems.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • This feature gives you more control, giving you the power to decide what is enough for you.
    Celeste Polanco, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The reason for the increase in the Tigers’ team score came after a review of Mizzou’s third rotation — balance beam.
    Henry Chappell, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Tesla's lower-cost Model Y: US launch pushed back as sources reveal production challengesNeed a break?
    Mike Scarcella, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • What To Know The man was on the fifth floor of Trump Tower and in an emotionally disturbed state, The New York Daily News reported, citing a police source.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Coogler attended the University of Southern California’s School of the Cinematic Arts, obtaining a master’s degree in fine arts in 2011.
    Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
  • When the call came from the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, the master tailor and artist was surprised and emotional.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the 13th century, the papacy was vacant for almost three years before the election of Gregory X, who tightened up conclave rules.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • The author of that rule change, Garth Glissman, is an SEC associate commissioner and driving force behind the effort to pass a similar rule for men’s college hoops.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authority.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authority. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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