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
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 authoritative
During her last five years as Deputy Bureau Chief, Chloe has brought her sharp editorial expertise and field experience to deliver authoritative coverage, competitive scoops and breaking news.
—
Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025
Despite widespread panic, Lee’s character has to look authoritative, calm and in control.
—Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Female-sounding voices are supposed to be calming and male-sounding voices more authoritative.
—Sarah A. Bell, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
According to Smetana, even authoritative parenting can be of limited use for caregivers, because its advice is so broad.
—Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025
Despite widespread panic, Lee’s character has to look authoritative, calm and in control.
—Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Female-sounding voices are supposed to be calming and male-sounding voices more authoritative.
—Sarah A. Bell, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
According to Smetana, even authoritative parenting can be of limited use for caregivers, because its advice is so broad.
—Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
-
Misch’s lawyer has previously argued that there’s no definitive proof Michaela actually died.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Liverpool academy graduate, then 24, had spoken publicly about his desire to one day captain his boyhood club and had become an increasingly influential and vocal presence in the dressing room.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
-
In the Spanish-speaking world, leading conservative and free-market figures remain more influential on social media than think tanks.—
Alejandro Antonio Chafuen,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
From 2019 to 2020, the authoritarian petrostate paid $115,000 a month to now–Attorney General Pam Bondi and her firm to lobby on its behalf.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
-
Orwell authored 1984, a bleak vision of the future where an authoritarian regime weaponizes language to suppress independent thought and rewrite history.—
Jason Snyder,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
The String Queens Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook A violin/viola/cello trio that plays everything from classical chamber pieces to old-school jazz and present-day pop, The String Queens are at The Kate on May 24 at 7 p.m. $42.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2025
-
The competition features six individual categories: pop/rock/rap vocals, Broadway/jazz/classical vocals, dance, musical instrument, original spoken word, and original vocal and/or instrumental composition.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
The trial had revealed Blue Cross’ domineering behavior.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
12 Apr. 2025
-
As mild-mannered schoolteacher Mr. Lisbon, James Woods plays a quiet counterpoint to his domineering wife.—
Sezin Devi Koehler,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
That will give you an accurate sense of whether psychological safety is improving—or if the conversation is going in circles. 2.—
Cynthia Pong,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
For example, when a man in his sixties talks about the same thing, he’s seen as calm and logical, but when a woman in her twenties talks about it, she’s seen as arrogant or trying to act mature.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
15 May 2025
-
By losing some of its arrogant charm, Doom has also lost the means to back it up.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Still, some Republicans are pointing to the recent criminal cases as evidence of a systemic flaw that requires a comprehensive solution, like requiring all Americans to provide a birth certificate, passport or other citizenship document to register to vote.—
Miles Parks,
NPR,
17 May 2025
-
Biss repeated pillars of the comprehensive plan: to allow for more housing in Evanston, to create more housing in Evanston and to implement sustainable practices in Evanston in alignment with the city’s Healthy Business Ordinance.—
Richard Requena,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share