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
Scammers can now generate realistic voices that sound calm and authoritative.
—
Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Perhaps the most authoritative voice on the pronunciation of Stellantis would be the company's CEO, Antonio Filosa.
—Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
Her voice was clear and authoritative, like an oracle’s.
—David Sedaris, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
Unlike authoritative declarations of truth, fiction has no obligation to dispel ambiguity.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Perhaps the most authoritative voice on the pronunciation of Stellantis would be the company's CEO, Antonio Filosa.
—Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
Her voice was clear and authoritative, like an oracle’s.
—David Sedaris, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
Unlike authoritative declarations of truth, fiction has no obligation to dispel ambiguity.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
The Herbert-Tagovailoa discourse had reached an all-time high yet for at least one day, Phins fans had definitive proof that their front office has made the right decision.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Officials didn’t give definitive reasons for what led to the decrease in drug overdoses during a press conference on March 10.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
On a more personal scale, the legal duel between Burkle and Anderson has become a battle over reputation — as these two influential figures in California politics and business attack each other’s character.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Directed by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville, the documentary is described as an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes portrait of the producer who built one of television’s most influential comedy institutions.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The authoritarian regime has brutally oppressed the people of Iran for generations.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Or think of how extreme weather can disrupt voting access, creating real and perceived grievances that are fertile ground for authoritarian interference in elections.—
Michael Chertoff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
From Brandi Carlile in concert to John Malkovich going classical to a musical named for an iconic breakfast meat, there are a lot of great shows and concerts to catch this weekend.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Much of Herring’s tenure has focused on how technology, and the symphony’s longtime partnership with the Knight Foundation, can help classical music reach as many people as possible.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Adam McKay’s toxically smug dissection of Dick Cheney fails to take the full measure of this monstrous vice-president, but even so, Bale taps into something elemental about the man’s arrogance and domineering personality.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Sophie Turner plays Anne, living in the countryside and struggling in poverty with her domineering mother-in-law Morwen (Harden).—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While continuous glucose monitors are generally considered accurate, the American Diabetes Association said in an email that finger sticks should be available as a backup, particularly if symptoms do not match the monitor’s reading.—
Elizabeth Chuck,
NBC news,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Throwing objects such as tennis balls, water balloons and small rocks at the bear can work, but using a paintball marker or slingshot can be more accurate and deliver more contact warnings in a short period of time, according to DEEP.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Planning for more than 11 contests out of Dobbins, something only produced twice over his first six NFL seasons, isn’t just arrogant.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Capitalize on the overwhelming support for legislative transparency and Spilka, Mariano and Attorney General Andea Campbell’s arrogant refusal to implement it.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The donation will also support research initiatives advancing precision medicine approaches including studies of treatment response, comprehensive molecular profiling to personalize therapy and the application of artificial intelligence to detect trends that can guide more effective care.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Evanston publishes easily accessible comprehensive financial information on its website, including bills lists, debt information and salaries.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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