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
But Egler had his share of scoops as well, his byline signaling authoritative reporting.
—
Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Her authoritative reporting and industry knowledge help readers and listeners better understand the space and inform critical business decisions.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.
—Devon Akmon, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.
—Devon Akmon, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Her authoritative reporting and industry knowledge help readers and listeners better understand the space and inform critical business decisions.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.
—Devon Akmon, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.
—Devon Akmon, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
But vasectomies can be expensive, and though typically reversible, too definitive a commitment for younger men.—
Annalisa Merelli,
STAT,
2 Feb. 2026
-
The doo-wop legend Dion recorded the definitive version, but it was covered by artists from Marvin Gaye to Whitney Houston.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Many consider Hunt to be the most well-rounded candidate, given her credentials as a former journalist, her familiarity with the BBC, track record of backing hits like Slow Horses and Sherlock, and her experience at one of the world’s most influential tech companies.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Online, conservatives have threatened to boycott the Super Bowl and the NFL more broadly, with influential voices like Newsmax host Greg Kelly and Tomi Lahren openly criticizing the league for choosing Bad Bunny as the performer.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s Master, tracing the rise of a teacher drawn into local politics in Bangladesh and moving from idealism to authoritarian impulses, won the Big Screen Competition.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Feb. 2026
-
What is unique in this moment is how aggressively one political party is leveraging this and the ends to which it is being used, which is to overthrow democracy and to install an authoritarian regime.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While most of the musical performers come from classical Italian forms, Tunisian Italian rapper Ghali will also perform.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2026
-
In addition to the daily jazz shows, the hotel’s programming includes classical music pop-ups, art exhibitions, and poetry readings.—
Devorah Lev-Tov,
Robb Report,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In the movie, set in medieval England, Anne (Turner) and her domineering mother-in-law, Morwen (Gay Harden), struggle to survive on the outskirts of society.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The part of the audience fresh to this season’s developments may recall Hearts’ brief appearance in series 2 of Succession — Roman Roy buys the club as a gift for his Scottish father, the domineering Logan, only to discover Logan supports Hibs, Hearts’ Edinburgh rivals.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Jennifer Sangalang,
Florida Times-Union,
5 Feb. 2026
-
In the past year, the company has added two new integrations to provide users with more accurate data from their Oura ring, as well as 14 new features addressing, among other things, pregnancy and cumulative stress.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In the early years of his fame as a writer, Rushdie had something of a reputation for being prickly and arrogant, but Gibney’s portrait reveals a man mellowed by time and experience.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Spock is this brilliant, arrogant, aloof-to-the-point-of-obnoxiousness genius.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Legislation introduced by state Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, (D-Whittier) on Monday would require the FAIR Plan to offer more comprehensive policies, hire more staff and address complaints by policyholders in a faster manner.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
There’s truly never been a better time to take care of your skin in such a comprehensive way.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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