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 1979 the two aspirations—compact readers’ editions and authoritative texts—met in Library of America.
—
Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
However, most studies agree that authoritative sources such as government officials or academic experts dominate the news.
—Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
We are put in charge of making our own way, through tapestries and tea sets, past ancient jug and contemporary sphinx, without heavy-handed authoritative direction.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
First established in 1878, Brain is widely considered the most influential publication in the field, with its monthly editorials being a key source of authoritative perspectives.
—Big Think, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
However, most studies agree that authoritative sources such as government officials or academic experts dominate the news.
—Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
We are put in charge of making our own way, through tapestries and tea sets, past ancient jug and contemporary sphinx, without heavy-handed authoritative direction.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
First established in 1878, Brain is widely considered the most influential publication in the field, with its monthly editorials being a key source of authoritative perspectives.
—Big Think, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
And talks between Washington and Tehran have failed to reach a diplomatic agreement to bring a definitive end to the conflict.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Deuce gave a definitive answer in Game 4, making the Knicks even more dangerous in the Eastern Conference finals.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
In the new research, when other influential factors were considered, only amitriptyline and nortriptyline remained linked with a higher risk of ADHD.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
-
This highly influential early 19th century poetry collection seems to sit comfortably among Yoo’s work.—
Diana Arterian,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
The show, which featured a sizzling performance by Walton Goggins, as an authoritarian vigilante, was an avant-garde breakthrough for television.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Given the authoritarian nature of the government and its control of the media, the full, brutal extent of these crackdowns are never seen by those inside the country, much less by foreigners.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
The sisters’ mission involves a dangerous and violent road trip; the fierce Racine outdoes the sensitive Anaia in her bloodlust, and the drama, reminiscent of classical tragedy, resounds with mythopoetic overtones.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
-
The range of genres is impressive — classical music, rock, Persian and Taiko ensembles, new music, punk, electronica, DJs and more.—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
After being expelled from Brown University for sneaking a coed into his room, Turner came to Atlanta to work as an account executive for his domineering father’s billboard company, Turner Advertising.—
David Bauder,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
-
After being expelled from Brown University, Turner came to Atlanta to work for his domineering father’s billboard company, Turner Advertising.—
David Bauder,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
According to Aliabadi, many patients never felt like PCOS was an accurate name because their symptoms go far beyond the ovaries to include effects like hair thinning, mood changes, and long-term metabolic risk.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
13 May 2026
-
But subsequent reporting found that was not entirely accurate.—
Camilo Montoya-Galvez,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Not even the pork choppers were as arrogant and scornful of voting rights as the current mob.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
-
Of course, David went on to build one of the most illustrious careers in television with characters who are often arrogant, petty and unlikable by traditional media standards.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Decades of fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan has stopped, but unresolved disputes remain, and neither side has signed a formal, comprehensive peace treaty.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
-
The city still doesn’t have comprehensive recommendations on data center regulations.—
TERRY ROUECHE,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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