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

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Unlike traditional Pentecostalism, however, the organization emphasizes modern-day apostles and prophets as authoritative leaders tasked with transforming society and ushering in God’s kingdom on Earth. Art Jipson, The Conversation, 8 July 2025 Those that share traits with the permissive style, such as giving in to the child’s demands, might struggle more than those who lean toward the authoritative style. Anna Earl, Parents, 2 July 2025 Whereas serif fonts feel authoritative and timeless, sans serif fonts can feel modern or informal. Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Ralphs’ tasteful, authoritative and often-underrated guitar work and songwriting acumen were a trademark of both bands across the 1970s. Jem Aswad, Variety, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
  • Introducing the 2025 Fortune 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in America.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 13 July 2025
  • One of the things that makes Batman Begins so definitive a depiction of Batman’s origin is that this film, like its sequel The Dark Knight, depicted Gotham City as a living breathing character in the story.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • For decades since then, Argentinian artists like José Muñoz have been among the most important and influential cartoonists in the world.
    Alex Dueben July 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
  • After all, such influential MAGA voices as Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon had been insisting for years that Epstein's suicide was suspicious and his powerful associates hidden.
    USA Today, USA Today, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Whether Trump's death quelled or accelerated authoritarian forces remains an open question.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • All of these factors and their contribution to alienation can foster authoritarian beliefs and individualism.
    Nathan Meyers, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition Revives an RPG Classic Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition is an excellent game for fans of classical high-fantasy D&D.
    David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Put on some classical music or the TV to drown out outside distractions and help calm them.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Louise Fletcher portrays the domineering head nurse Ratched.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2025
  • But Agnes can’t stop barking orders, leaving the household staff at a loss over who to listen to — their domineering former boss or the woman signing their paychecks.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even with label checks, the actual caffeine content may not always be accurate, Wick added.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
  • Advertisement Read more: The True Cost of Trump’s Cuts to NOAA and NASA Many offices around the country are unable to carry out previously routine tasks like releasing weather balloons to get precise atmospheric data—and experts say forecasts have already been less accurate this year.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • As the day goes on, Jim goes from a caricature of an arrogant male director to an oddly compelling picture of a pathetic man, moved by spite toward his ex-wife, Anita.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
  • Actor Tyler Hilton played Chris Keller, a charming but arrogant musician, on four seasons of the teen soap.
    Bryan West, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Programs can leverage these capabilities to look at other sources of insider threat (e.g., fraud, IP theft, etc.) in an integrated and comprehensive way.
    Control Risks, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • At the moment, SiriusXM car and streaming plans start at $9.99 per month, going up to $25 per month for its most comprehensive offering.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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