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
These articles add depth to a brand’s digital footprint and act as authoritative signals when AI tools evaluate credibility.
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Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Michigan soon may have a more authoritative accounting.
—CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Will has produced authoritative work about technology and the fracturing of reality, and will continue this line of coverage.
—The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2026
As matriarch Marcelle, Price has played similar high-emotion, authoritative figures in other local productions.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Michigan soon may have a more authoritative accounting.
—CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Will has produced authoritative work about technology and the fracturing of reality, and will continue this line of coverage.
—The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2026
As matriarch Marcelle, Price has played similar high-emotion, authoritative figures in other local productions.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
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But measurement collapses this superposition, yielding one definitive outcome.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
21 Apr. 2026
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The announcement also comes with details on a plan to upgrade Ocean Cay, though a definitive timeline was not included.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Only when more members and influential insiders demand better of one another as a matter of course, before things go sideways, will there be fewer political self-detonations and shattered lives.—
Michelle Cottle,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Featuring comedy legends and late-night insiders, this sharp, entertaining documentary reveals how presidential impressions became one of America’s most influential, and surprisingly powerful, forms of political storytelling.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Founded by George Soros after the fall of communism, the university says the authoritarian government of Viktor Orbán forced 90% of its teaching operations out of the country in 2019, leaving behind a stark symbol of how far the nation has moved during the prime minister’s 16-year regime.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
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Reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, experts say What's branding in business is problematic in governance.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Renowned salsa and latin jazz violinist Alfredo De La Fé brings his band, which blends traditional classical techniques with Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026
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The next phase will focus mostly on the development of new algorithms that enable classical and quantum systems to work together to solve complex problems.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Token, pushover human Seth (Gil Ozeri) lives under the thumb of the tiny, domineering dog Brandi (the incomparable Amy Sedaris), a high maintenance diva with a yen for single-use Stanley cups.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
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After moving at a glacial pace—it’s been 20 years since the original 2006 film—the movie is having its world premiere on Monday evening, reintroducing a select group of New Yorkers to Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly, the chicly domineering editor in chief of Runway magazine.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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And by shopping around for rates and lenders, thus establishing an accurate baseline to compare against, borrowers can better decide on the value of taking action now or delaying their plans for the foreseeable future.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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To this point, the Heat arguably have been too stubborn, or too arrogant, in belief that the quick fix was just around the corner.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Apr. 2026
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His style is relaxed and confident, not arrogant.—
Tara Klein,
SPIN,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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At a recent event in Atlanta, Wellstar Health System provided comprehensive medical evaluations, part of an ongoing effort to identify and address chronic conditions that can emerge years after players leave the game.—
Roni Robbins,
AJC.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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Bolstered by the network, WBBM’s comprehensive local news coverage has continued to resonate with Chicago listeners.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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