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
Reid, a historian, follows in Ajayi’s footsteps with this authoritative survey.
—
Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The book is a compelling, authoritative guide to the intricate dynamics of modern global relations.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
His posture is authoritative without being imposing, his voice warm without being facetious.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
Music consumption data from TME platforms will now be integrated into globally authoritative chart systems including the Billboard Global 200 through the Uni Chart’s professional data system.
—Billboard China, Billboard, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The book is a compelling, authoritative guide to the intricate dynamics of modern global relations.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
His posture is authoritative without being imposing, his voice warm without being facetious.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
Music consumption data from TME platforms will now be integrated into globally authoritative chart systems including the Billboard Global 200 through the Uni Chart’s professional data system.
—Billboard China, Billboard, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
The testing process is built for speed and discretion, delivering a definitive answer in approximately two minutes.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Without any definitive answers just yet, there's been lots of speculation in the local press, including questions about whether the couple were murdered or died by suicide.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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Unlike communism and other authoritarian systems of government, democratic socialists believe in democracy.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Alissia is among this year’s nominees for producer of the year, non-classical.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
-
With his latest, The Bronze Arms, Hofmann maintains the classical register while moving back further in his life, all the way to a traumatic childhood event, its aftermath and its lifelong symbolism.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That premonition rings true when his parents (Tara Buckman, Geoff Hansen) are slaughtered by a carjacker dressed as Old Saint Nick himself (Charles Dierkop) just hours later, condemning the toddler into further moral compass trauma at an orphanage run by a domineering Mother Superior nun from Hell.—
Huntley Woods,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Dec. 2025
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Orgon’s only ally is his domineering parade float of a mother, Madame Pernelle (the Bianca del Rio), who sails onto the stage in high dudgeon at the top of the play.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
17 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Mostly, though, Boland strangles batters with his suffocating and deadly-accurate line and length.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Comedians can sometimes be eerily accurate in the way their jokes predict the future.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This version of Ryan was arrogant, unable to conceal pride in his accomplishment.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Nominees will be put through a comprehensive and rigorous process of researching and scoring across a wide range of quantitative and qualitative criteria, including scalability, revenue and user growth, and the use of breakthrough technology.—
CNBC.com staff,
CNBC,
6 Jan. 2026
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In an important essay, Andrew Sullivan noted this past fall that Trump’s indecency is comprehensive in style and substance.—
Jeffrey Goldberg,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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