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
We are put in charge of making our own way, through tapestries and tea sets, past ancient jug and contemporary sphinx, without heavy-handed authoritative direction.
—
Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
This is the version of Banchero the Magic need; not just productive, but authoritative.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
First established in 1878, Brain is widely considered the most influential publication in the field, with its monthly editorials being a key source of authoritative perspectives.
—Big Think, 14 Apr. 2026
Smith makes sure that Noah is authoritative, commanding attention with a soft heart.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
This is the version of Banchero the Magic need; not just productive, but authoritative.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
First established in 1878, Brain is widely considered the most influential publication in the field, with its monthly editorials being a key source of authoritative perspectives.
—Big Think, 14 Apr. 2026
Smith makes sure that Noah is authoritative, commanding attention with a soft heart.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
State Republican lawmakers didn’t offer definitive assessments of the map on Monday.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The story behind sports’ most universal gesture is a genuine historical mystery with at least two credible origin claims, a handful of murkier ones and no definitive answer.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The center continued that Bugno had played an influential behind-the-scenes role in championing independent voices from regions historically marginalized within the global film industry, and notably the Arab World.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
-
The Legend award is given to one of TV’s most beloved and influential performers, with last year’s inaugural honor given to Parker Posey.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Magyar—sitting in the front row, rewatching a film that had helped establish him as a global icon of anti-authoritarian resistance—was less than four days away from taking power.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
-
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Belarus’ authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko attended the festivities in the Russian capital.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Programs pair masterworks with contemporary voices, highlighting throughlines between classical, jazz, folk and new music.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
7 May 2026
-
The work’s title, May Your Tears Never Dry, You Who Weep over Stones, comes from classical Arabic poet Abu Nuwas.—
Pablo Larios,
Artforum,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
The new biopic of Jackson from director Antoine Fuqua and the Jackson estate paints the gloved one as the one true victim — a harmless Peter Pan figure whose own childhood was snatched away by a domineering father.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Joseph has a cruel and domineering air about him.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But part of the reason is that even with our most precise and accurate measurements that lead to a determination of the gravitational constant, those various teams and methods haven’t converged on a single answer.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 May 2026
-
More accurate simulations could speed up drug discovery, improve materials design, and reduce the need for costly laboratory experiments.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Not even the pork choppers were as arrogant and scornful of voting rights as the current mob.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
-
Of course, David went on to build one of the most illustrious careers in television with characters who are often arrogant, petty and unlikable by traditional media standards.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Interceptor drones as part of a comprehensive air defense system are now being sought by Middle East and Gulf countries amid the Iran war, according to Ukrainian officials.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
With overwhelming bipartisan support, Indiana enacted one of the most comprehensive state-level national security laws in the country.—
Joe Gebbia Sr,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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