Definition of authoritativenext
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 Plot synopsis House of the Dragon attempts to condense and dramatize the conflicting accounts presented in Fire & Blood—stitched together from testimonies and court chronicles—into a single authoritative narrative. Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026 That means authoritative profiles, press features in credible outlets, optimized social channels, Wikipedia presence where warranted, video, and review acquisition on the platforms that actually matter for the client's industry. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 June 2026 First filmed before the pandemic and launched in its throes, a survivor of the era of streaming wars, corporate consolidation and Hollywood strikes, HBO’s addictively dissolute workplace drama remains as ambitious and authoritative as ever. Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026 Every Tuesday, this new newsletter delivers clear-eyed, authoritative intelligence on the deals, decisions, policies, and power shifts shaping one of the world’s most consequential regions, written for the people who need to act on it. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
  • The letter of intent remains non-binding, and there is no guarantee the parties will reach a definitive agreement.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • For an album that feels like a major artistic statement, almost none of the songs have a single definitive version.
    Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • The 650,000 barrels-a-day Dangote plant produces enough fuel for domestic consumption in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, and is the most influential determinant of pump prices.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
  • Each year, The Hollywood Reporter recognizes the industry’s best and most influential business managers, the professionals who manage the financial lives of entertainment’s most high-profile figures.
    Claudia Rosenbaum, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Still, the dominant message from the hearing was that Maduro’s removal has not, by itself, dismantled the authoritarian system that sustained his rule.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • But in the past 20 years, Cuba’s more progressive social policies have helped to redeem the authoritarian excesses of the revolution’s early years.
    Juan Carlos Albarran, The Conversation, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • For this, Menegat drew from a study in classical architecture and historic preservation (a speciality of Landed Interiors).
    Genevieve Walker, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2026
  • Anthony Hopkins has signed a record deal with classical music label Decca Classics and will release a collection of recordings through the label next month.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • His domineering physical appearance coupled with his goofy online persona have contributed to the craze.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • Now Moon juggles her domineering personality and the family’s poor finances.
    Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • In the years since, Becenti said, the data has painted a more accurate and encouraging picture.
    Savannah Peters, Fortune, 13 July 2026
  • The age range was chosen because accurate readings on these topics are harder with older kids.
    Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • West Germany, arrogant attitude adjusted, pounded Chile, 4-1.
    David j. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Lasso, in his initial introduction to audiences, wasn’t the warm, pun-loving, inspirational coach audiences would eventually embrace through Apple +, but a slightly arrogant buffoon parodying the average American sports fan.
    Charles Moss, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Our expert take The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections, flexible rewards and more.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • It should be noted that there are new auctions practically every month, so the data can change quite rapidly, but the following list represents a comprehensive picture of the 25 top whiskey sales to date.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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