Synonyms of authoritative

authoritative

adjective

ə-ˈthȯr-ə-ˌtā-tiv 

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

• definitive
• classical
• accurate
• comprehensive
• classic
• magisterial
• official
• conclusive
• decisive
• complete
• correct
• approved
• thorough
• exhaustive
• sanctioned

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

• influential
• forceful
• dominant
• important
• cogent
• weighty
• predominant
• eminent
• dominating
• supreme
• masterful
• controlling
• sovereign
• momentous
• regnant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weak
• helpless
• unable
• powerless
• incapable
• impotent

3

as in authoritarian

fond of ordering people around

she's very authoritative for someone who doesn't actually outrank us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• authoritarian
• domineering
• arrogant
• commanding
• masterful
• aggressive
• proud
• autocratic
• bossy
• imperious
• overbearing
• despotic
• dictatorial
• tyrannical
• peremptory
• tyrannous
• controlling
• important
• stern
• magisterial
• superior
• regimental
• supercilious
• haughty
• imperial
• high-and-mighty
• assertive
• assumptive
• pretentious
• disdainful
• presumptuous
• uppity
• arbitrary
• huffy
• directorial
• high-hat
• lordly
• lofty
• imperative
• omnipotent
• all-powerful
• uppish
• overweening
• highfalutin
• pompous
• high-handed
• dictating
• narcissistic
• conceited
• fastuous
• self-asserting
• almighty
• toplofty
• presuming
• self-assertive
• vain
• firm

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• humble
• modest
• meek
• obedient
• unassuming
• amenable
• docile
• tractable
• passive
• compliant
• submissive
• indecisive
• yielding
• irresolute
• acquiescent
• resigned

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of authoritative

That’s the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — the authoritative handbook of mental disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association and used by mental health professionals in the United States. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

No better is that exemplified than on Play Boy, an album that presents itself as an open book reflection on life lived unapologetically, on the edge, and with a constant questioning of any authoritative figure standing in its way. — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

There was never an intention to be like a voice for anyone or to be an authoritative tastemaker. — Thomas Smith, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2026

For a nominal sum, the paper each day serves up authoritative accounts of sports events that occurred as much as a day earlier, give or take. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026