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 And climate change has rendered previously authoritative weather and climate projections less reliable, the authors noted. Fiona Bork, NBC news, 15 July 2025 Finishing the first half 48-33 has offered an authoritative answer. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 June 2025 The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record. Steve Inskeep, NPR, 14 July 2025 There’s an authoritative front grille and bumper, and revised rear tail lights. Josh Max, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
  • There were no final goodbyes, Ulrich said, because nobody felt that this was the definitive end.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The transactions are subject to the parties’ negotiation of definitive agreements, various approvals including by the NFL team owners, and customary closing conditions, an announcement said.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Understanding those cultures is crucial if brands want to be more influential and persuasive.
    Tim Wragg, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • More than three decades after its initial release, one of Indian cinema’s most influential action dramas is gearing up for a return to theaters.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The interim government, formed shortly afterward under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was widely hailed as a new chapter for Bangladesh: a chance to repair years of authoritarian rule, enforced disappearances, corruption and human rights abuses.
    Shamim Chowdhury, NPR, 5 Aug. 2025
  • For any authoritarian regime, political succession is a moment of peril, and for all its strengths, the CCP is no exception.
    TYLER JOST, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Tollcross Central Hall, a classical building at the center of one of Edinburgh’s creative neighborhoods, will serve as the festival’s main hub.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
  • It is generally accepted in classical liberal economic thinking that the state should only intervene where there has been a market failure, i.e., where the free market is unable to produce a socially desirable outcome.
    Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Avoid being domineering, but also avoid being stepped on by someone else.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 July 2025
  • My Mom Died is a heartbreaking and hilarious recounting of McCurdy’s struggles as a former child actor while dealing with her overbearing, domineering mother.
    Charley Ross, Glamour, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond complying with regulations, embedding traceability and life cycle data directly into products can enable leaders in the tech industry to drive smarter product development, more accurate forecasting and stronger supply chain and inventory management.
    Megan Brewster, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The fact it was removed is a sign this was a mistake on GitHub’s part, and suggests the information is accurate.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Depicting Americans as arrogant, loud, boorish and demeaning of other cultures, the term has stuck and is still mentioned 60-plus years later.
    Jenny Peters, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The most radical overhaul of the tax code in our state’s history would require voter approval in November 2026, and that starts by portraying local governments as cartoonishly arrogant, bloated and unaccountable.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • What makes Wiz particularly compelling is its ability to integrate with more than 150 tools across the modern cloud stack, enabling organizations to build a comprehensive and dynamic security posture.
    Chris McHenry, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • And hopefully, there’s a way forward on comprehensive immigration reform.
    David Culver, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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