AUTHORITATIVE Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

authoritative

adjective

ə-ˈthȯr-ə-ˌtā-tiv

Definition of authoritative

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

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

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 Legal experts say the judgment is likely to strengthen the position of applicants whose claims were rejected solely because of the Minor Issue and provide authoritative guidance to judges handling pending cases. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 The durable strategy is to build a body of authoritative, technically sound content that outranks the problem and holds its ground after the news cycle moves on. — K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Fiery Mars activates your 9th House of Exploration, while authoritative Saturn steadies your 7th House of Partnership. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026 Then again, the paper was published in Nature, one of the world’s most authoritative and influential scientific journals. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for authoritative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative

Adjective

Several players declined to comment on the session, but some, including Richard Bland, pointed to DeChambeau’s role in the meeting and cited a lack of definitive updates.

— Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
With so much uncertainty still surrounding the ruling, Danielson wouldn’t commit to a timeline or even provide a definitive answer as to whether either player would be allowed to return.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

Another throughline for popular progressive candidates is the backing of Hasan Piker, who has become one of the most influential voices in the current wave of democratic socialist victories.

— Mikayla Price, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Graves, who chairs the influential House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has been hailed for bringing money back to Kansas City and his district, but also faced criticism for being unavailable to constituents.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of influential

Adjective

Reliable polling remains scarce under the country’s authoritarian system.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026
And both men, despite misgivings among parts of their own populations about their corrupt and authoritarian tendencies, were largely welcomed in the West as reformers and promising economic partners.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026

Definition of authoritarian

Adjective

The programming spans nearly every artistic discipline—jazz, hip-hop, theater, dance, classical music—and long-standing partnerships with embassies and community organizations helped shape the calendar.

— Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Quantum results need proof Researchers have traditionally used a technique called random circuit sampling to test whether quantum computers can perform calculations beyond the practical reach of classical machines.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026

Definition of classical

Adjective

Sharad said regulators are also using AI to identify inaccurate filings and repeat offenders more quickly, making accurate customs data increasingly important as tariff policies continue evolving.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026
For Orlando families, workers and businesses, the practical response begins with accurate records, a clear plan and a realistic understanding of how immigration agencies and court proceedings can intersect.

— Ascend Agency, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of accurate

Adjective

Perhaps in the arrogant belief that a war with Iran would quickly end in a decisive victory, the Pentagon did not have cost-effective systems ready to intercept these weapons.

— Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Nick Aldis’ wife Mickie James was ringside, where she was taunted by an arrogant Gunther.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrogant

Adjective

Lake Station will modernize its comprehensive plan, zoning code, and economic development strategy to unlock development and investment potential.

— Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
The ultimate goal was to establish a permissible exposure limit for humans on the Red Planet by compiling a comprehensive set of expert perspectives regarding Martian dust toxicology, exposure pathways and mitigation strategies.

— Leonard David, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2026