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 executed well, a strong content strategy creates a consistent, authoritative presence that builds both trust and familiarity, inviting potential clients to take the next step. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Their annual report is widely viewed by child safety experts as an authoritative snapshot of what is believed to be the escalating problem of child exploitation online. Ben Goggin, NBC news, 8 May 2025 The change appeared in the 2025 edition of the Vatican's Annuario Pontificio, the authoritative yearbook of the Holy See. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 During her last five years as Deputy Bureau Chief, Chloe has brought her sharp editorial expertise and field experience to deliver authoritative coverage, competitive scoops and breaking news. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Performed by the Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), this definitive anthem of space and sci-fi will be transmitted towards NASA's Voyager 1 probe by ESA's 35-meter Deep Space Antenna in Cebreros, Spain.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Giorgio’s death served to protect larger interests, such as contracts and political relationships between the city’s influential families.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 3 June 2025
  • On the line was one of the most influential and inspiring matriarchs in culture today.
    Greta Bjornson, People.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • But then again, almost everything Trump does is right out of the authoritarian playbook.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2025
  • Any center of liberal and free thought from pop music to Ivy League universities is vulnerable to authoritarian impulses.
    Stephen Collinson, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Listen to the Entire Piece A classical symphony might take 30 minutes or more.
    Jed Brewer, Rolling Stone, 29 May 2025
  • References to what are probably oysters appear in classical Greek texts by authors like Aristotle and Homer.
    Garritt C. Van Dyk, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Randall is a rebellious new patient at a mental institution who does battle with Louise Fletcher’s domineering head nurse Mildred Ratched.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 20 May 2025
  • The trial had revealed Blue Cross’ domineering behavior.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Forecasts will become less accurate in time, with people getting less lead time when inclement weather may impact their daily lives.
    Bryan Karrick, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • The ultra-wide camera retains steadiness but produces video with more accurate colors.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Richard was known for being outspoken, if not arrogant, consistently rubbing his Tagi tribe the wrong way and offending some of them with his blatant display of nudity on the island.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 27 May 2025
  • Multiple people described him to me as unpopular and arrogant.
    Amanda Chicago Lewis, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Being able to place the device on someone’s head would allow for more comprehensive brain monitoring.
    Paul McClure May 29, New Atlas, 29 May 2025
  • Our comprehensive analysis of Salesforce, across key indicators like Growth, Profitability, Financial Stability, and Downturn Resilience, reveals that the company continues to demonstrate very strong operational performance and a robust financial condition.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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