1
as in definitive
being the most accurate and apparently thorough this book is considered the most authoritative source on that subject

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

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 When considering his crimes or getting ready to commit another, Chernus’s eyes grow cold, his voice deep and sharp, his body language more taut and authoritative. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025 While Efraimoglou is bold and authoritative, Vandorou is quiet and reflective. Janine Di Giovanni, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 The Red List, produced by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is the most authoritative global assessment of extinction risk of species. Nell Lewis, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025 After authoritative wins over the Lions and Commanders, the Packers certainly had the look of a Super Bowl contender. Mike Jones, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
  • Nothing definitive from Roseman.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
  • But the answer that emerges from a review of Cheney’s actions and statements appears to be a definitive no.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The death of former Vice President Dick Cheney earlier this week has evoked divisive reflections across the United States toward one of Washington's most influential figures of the century.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Political contacts In the late-1990s and 2000s, while Itera was reporting billions in annual revenue, the company cultivated relationships with influential politicians.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Led by a far-right authoritarian government, the country has nevertheless encouraged rooftop and utility-scale solar through a mix of government rebates and relaxed regulations.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Unlike communism and other authoritarian systems of government, democratic socialists believe in democracy.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Dennis was an artist and classical piano player who was an actor in the film.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Almost all the photographs in the show are gelatin silver prints made from negative film, the standard of 20th century classical photography.
    Amy Carleton, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In the new film, a young Victor (Christian Convery) is raised by a cruel, domineering dad (Charles Dance) but loves his mother (Mia Goth).
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Ladd played Lula’s domineering mother and earned a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her performance.
    Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • World’s most advanced quantum clocks Quantum clocks provide very accurate timekeeping.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
  • November 04, 2025 When Wikipedia was founded in 2001, the idea that people around the world could come together to create an accurate online encyclopedia covering virtually any topic seemed far-fetched.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The pilot opens with Powell’s character, arrogant college quarterback Russ Holliday, leading his Oregon Ducks team in the National Championship game against Georgia at the Rose Bowl.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The conversation turned especially poignant when Dern discussed the practical realities facing older performers, noting that the Screen Actors Guild provides no comprehensive health care plan for retired actors.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Our study shows that comprehensive policy changes can meaningfully protect vaccination coverage.
    Anthony Bald, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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