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
Duah’s authoritative finish in the 68th minute stood as the largest goal of the two matches.
—
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
At 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds, Browner was authoritative with his presence and demanding with his message.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
After decades of serving as a reliable, authoritative public repository of basic information about countries, their economies, and their people, The World Factbook disappeared from the internet on February 4 with no advance notice.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
At 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds, Browner was authoritative with his presence and demanding with his message.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
After decades of serving as a reliable, authoritative public repository of basic information about countries, their economies, and their people, The World Factbook disappeared from the internet on February 4 with no advance notice.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
One physician shared that the tool found critical information buried in the records of a cancer patient, which helped a team including six pathologists to give a definitive diagnosis.—
Hilke Schellmann,
Scientific American,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Here are the definitive recipes for timeless favorites like roast chicken, scalloped potatoes, Caesar salad, quiche, simple pan-seared salmon filets, fettuccine alfredo, plus some of Martha’s signature desserts like apple tarte tatin, New York cheesecake, and tangy lemon bars.—
Jennifer Anderson,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In recognition of Black History Month and its century-long mission to highlight the contributions and impact of Black Americans, this year’s expo pays tribute to one of the most influential eras in Black commerce and economic empowerment.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Before the expansion of the 10 Freeway led to the demolition of numerous homes in West Adams, the suburb was home to several affluent and influential Black Angelenos.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In other words, diaspora activists may advocate positions that resonate with Western audiences, but find little support among those actually living under authoritarian rule.—
Michael Paarlberg,
The Conversation,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Trump’s steamrolling of anything, including the Constitution, that might impede his authoritarian project has made the limpness of the Democratic opposition more conspicuous.—
Mark Leibovich,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Outside Washington, the classical music industry suffers the usual ups and downs, shocks and bumps, with layoffs at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and a reduced season ahead.—
Philip Kennicott,
Washington Post,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Leland and Riordan’s reactive approach to the work of a beloved composer, embellished only with timbre and junk percussion, places a cornerstone of American popular and classical music within their weirdo experimental purview.—
Aly Eleanor,
Pitchfork,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This is the rare movie adaptation that does cover the second half of the book, and our first glimpse of Heathcliff is as the domineering terror of his later years.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Even though Kenneth was the one to shoot Sheridan, both the jury and the judge accepted the prosecution's argument that Ronald was the domineering brother and had planned and directed the killing.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While accurate, these systems aren't perfect.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And ironically, the most arrogant ones are the worst ones.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
11 Feb. 2026
-
But there’s a throughline in Smith’s most popular works — he’s been cast repeatedly as a villain, and usually an arrogant or smug one.—
Sophia Solano,
Washington Post,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Campillo and other critics call that shift a bait-and-switch, and Campillo’s proposal seeks to prevent a repeat by requiring any ballot measure that could create a new fee — or raise an existing one — to undergo a comprehensive analysis long before voters weigh in.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
During the course of 19 negotiating sessions since September, the Guild has offered the staff union comprehensive proposals with numerous union protections and improvements to compensation and working conditions.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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