AUTHORITATIVE Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

authoritative

adjective

ə-ˈthȯr-ə-ˌtā-tiv

Definition of authoritative

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

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

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

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 Without an authoritative accounting, Eisenkot argues, the country cannot fully reckon with the catastrophe. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026 Our colleague Helen Branswell was a renowned infectious disease reporter who earned the respect and admiration of experts and public health officials with her authoritative, prescient reporting on the flu, polio, Ebola and the Covid-19 pandemic. — Elaine Chen, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026 Hollander plays Judge Jack Taylor, an authoritative man who weighs his words carefully, possessing both the warmth and charm of a country preacher and the cold edge of a cult leader. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 This excellent volume contains a series of concise and authoritative essays on key aspects of the Ghetto’s early history, written by leading experts in the field. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for authoritative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative

Adjective

In the absence of neat, definitive explanations, a broader explanation for the global fertility crash comes into view.

— Jesús Fernández-Villaverde, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2026
Designated as a Memory Site in 2012 to ensure that the military repression isn’t forgotten, the prison is undergoing its definitive closure and transfer of inmates to a new complex.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

With the full cooperation of a handful of influential boosters, most notably the late Dick Lowe, Dry was the coach when TCU joined the rest of its SWC members in paying some players when that act was a cardinal sin in NCAA sports.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2026
To the outside world, Mary Carole McDonnell was an influential executive with a thriving entertainment empire.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of influential

Adjective

Much, if not most, of the distemper was aimed at the would-be authoritarian in the White House.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
People living under authoritarian governments can still exercise power and influence through relationships, knowledge, social networks, and persuasion.

— Tanaz Eshaghian, Time, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of authoritarian

Adjective

Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron were greeted on the tarmac in Phnom Penh by traditional Apsara dancers performing classical blessings.

— GRANT PECK, Arkansas Online, 15 Nov. 2026
The performance received a harsh review from Anthony Tommasini, then chief classical music critic of The New York Times.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of classical

Adjective

Isgandarov plays the harried, coffee-laden assistant to her domineering director, played by Paul Giamatti.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026
Sources said Gunning plays Annie, a quietly dutiful wife who has sacrificed her ambitions to raise four sons under her domineering husband, Duncan.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of domineering

Adjective

An accurate travel insurance comparison accounts for multiple factors.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
The database was developed using portions of a commercially available version of California’s voter rolls that the government acknowledged might not be entirely accurate.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of accurate

Adjective

Except Moe is nice, caring, and talented, while Matt is arrogant, unpleasant, and, at the beginning of the episode, belligerently drunk.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026
El-Sayed didn’t win himself any favors with an arrogant acceptance speech delivered without a shred of grace.

— Kaitlyn Buss, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of arrogant

Adjective

This happens because cities to a large extent are bound by their comprehensive plans, which govern how land can be used.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026
The Venezuelan migrant crisis The assistance and response led by Prevost in the face of the massive arrival of Venezuelan migrants in 2018 was comprehensive and had a different vision from that of the country’s other regions.

— Claudia Rebaza, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026