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
In other words, an authoritative voice that understood so little.
—
Sheila Heti
august 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
Uchis, 31, is equally adept and authoritative whether performing reggaeton or boleros, cumbia or reggae, hip-hop or dance-pop, R&B or electronica.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
Stricter parenting styles include authoritative or authoritarian styles.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 19 Aug. 2025
In fact, natural is the word to sum up Chapman, a host who, like Artie Bucco, could be described as warm and convivial, who rarely fails to ask piercing questions devoid of cliches and has a relaxed but authoritative style.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Sheila Heti
august 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
Uchis, 31, is equally adept and authoritative whether performing reggaeton or boleros, cumbia or reggae, hip-hop or dance-pop, R&B or electronica.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
Stricter parenting styles include authoritative or authoritarian styles.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 19 Aug. 2025
In fact, natural is the word to sum up Chapman, a host who, like Artie Bucco, could be described as warm and convivial, who rarely fails to ask piercing questions devoid of cliches and has a relaxed but authoritative style.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
Next up is the creation of an annual report that aims to be a definitive resource both for Web3 creatives and for those curious about it.—
Ana María Caballero,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Introducing the 2025 Fortune Global 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in the world.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The VMAs have long recognized the work of standout talent whose artistry has made an influential cultural impact over the past year, shifting the global cultural narrative while shaping the landscape of the music industry.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Essence,
6 Sep. 2025
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That gives Bruni Tedeschi, Marcello and his co-writers Letizia Russo and Guido Silei a lot of freedom to mold this influential giant of the 19th century stage during a transitional period toward the end of her life.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Tanks rumbled through Tiananmen Square, a location that offered a stark reminder of how authoritarian states can violently crush democratic movements.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
-
On Thursday morning, opposition party Vente Venezuela denounced the detention of Julio Velazco, a local activist involved with the campaign of Maria Corina Machado, the main opposition leader who is still in hiding after the authoritarian push that followed the election.—
Andrew Raine,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The program aims to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their art form — with pieces spanning the classical, folkloric, contemporary and flamenco styles — and the company’s half-century of output, earning them apt praise both here and abroad.—
Lauren Warnecke,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Paradise Lost, Milton’s epic of civil war, exile, and a journey to a new, heavenly homeland, fuses the Aeneid with other classical and biblical models.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Cappellazzo could be domineering.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
-
His Victor is the product of a coddling mother (Mia Goth), who dies young and leaves him emotionally adrift, and a domineering father (Charles Dance), who molds him into a brilliant but heedless inventor.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Now, researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have developed aerial robots that fly directly into the smoke, gathering data that could make forecasts far more accurate.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Sep. 2025
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Prices were accurate at the time of publication.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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These early years emphasized goofiness, offensiveness, and mocking arrogant celebrities who pushed their platforms at award shows.—
Chris Yogerst,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Aug. 2025
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The announcement was made during a backstage segment involving NXT General Manager Ava and the arrogant superstar Lexis King.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Cartman 39-piece Tool Set For road trips, a more comprehensive toolkit is worth packing.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Aug. 2025
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The principles are actionable best-practice, distilled from multiple comprehensive studies.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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