1
as in experts
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
the leading authority on neural anatomy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in governments
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation)
the sheriff had authority over the whole county
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in influences
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
speaks with a persuasive authority on matters of public health
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in powers
the right or means to command or control others
by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in reasons
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
I had good authority to believe that the information was correct
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in sources
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information
the Bible is the sole authority for his impassioned defense of creationism
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 authorities
Motorists who were driving on the freeway as the helicopter crashed left their cars and helped authorities pull the victims from the crash site.
—
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025
The suspect behind last week’s deadly car and knife terror attack outside a synagogue in Manchester allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, authorities said.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Health authorities around the country were quick to point out that evidence suggests acetaminophen is an effective and safe treatment for pregnant women and poses no risk to an unborn child.
—Maria Shriver, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
Three people were killed Wednesday in a series of shootings in the Houston area that authorities believe are linked to a gunman who later died by suicide.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025
Thomas Gross, authorities allege.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
The attack was declared a terrorist incident by British authorities.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Search efforts were further complicated after an earthquake struck the region of Sumenep, about 124 miles from the collapse site on Tuesday, and authorities feared the impact of those tremors may have packed the debris tighter.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
When asked about those findings, a representative from SoCal Edison said that the investigation into the Eaton fire is ongoing and the company looks forward to the final report from authorities.
—Chiara Eisner, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025
The suspect behind last week’s deadly car and knife terror attack outside a synagogue in Manchester allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, authorities said.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Health authorities around the country were quick to point out that evidence suggests acetaminophen is an effective and safe treatment for pregnant women and poses no risk to an unborn child.
—Maria Shriver, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
Three people were killed Wednesday in a series of shootings in the Houston area that authorities believe are linked to a gunman who later died by suicide.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025
Thomas Gross, authorities allege.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
The attack was declared a terrorist incident by British authorities.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Search efforts were further complicated after an earthquake struck the region of Sumenep, about 124 miles from the collapse site on Tuesday, and authorities feared the impact of those tremors may have packed the debris tighter.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
When asked about those findings, a representative from SoCal Edison said that the investigation into the Eaton fire is ongoing and the company looks forward to the final report from authorities.
—Chiara Eisner, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorities
Noun
-
But some financial experts think classes on money should be required.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
14 Oct. 2025
-
In the first episode of CW's TV We Love, a multipart series celebrating eight of the most iconic American television shows and their lasting impact on audiences and culture, experts discuss the beautiful relationship between the couple.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
For policymakers and regulators, the coalition suggested establishing policy platforms that bring together various players—like governments, industry actors, standards setters and civil society—to co-develop fair and credible LCA frameworks while ensuring alignment, not fragmentation.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Oct. 2025
-
State and county governments are helping to fund Utah’s national parks.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
To better incorporate Eastern influences, Wang included a tea room and flower shop on the ground floor of the store.—
Denni Hu,
Footwear News,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Most of the album’s compositions, a mix of jazz, rock, and Latin influences, were created by Williams himself.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Trump and Vought claim sweeping powers to cut spending without Congress, despite laws to the contrary.—
Steven T. Dennis,
Fortune,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Luminate’s streaming, sales and airplay data powers Billboard’s charts.—
Keith Caulfield,
Billboard,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The full and final details of what would be a very complex operation for tax and legal reasons are still being worked out, sources said.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Besides religion, what are other possible reasons a person might have executed a forgery?—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But The Information, citing anonymous sources, reported in March that the streaming service has lost over $1 billion annually.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The potential for adverse health effects from consuming food contaminated with lead vary depending on the level of lead in the food; age of the consumer; length, amount, and frequency of exposure to lead in the food; and other exposures to different sources of lead and to beneficial nutrients.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Lastly, the scholars chalk the tremendous success of the books up to Rowling’s evocative writing, which encouraged young readers to be creative while holding their attention for long periods of time.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Field-altering books have deepened scholars’ understanding of the domestic turmoil of Revolutionary America, among other moments.—
Jane Kamensky,
The Atlantic,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Suarez is now the subject of a state ethics complaint, filed last month by a Miami Beach resident, claiming that his communications violate campaign finance rules.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
14 Oct. 2025
-
There is also no indication that the change is being done in coordination with the MPA, rather this is about framing the content rules for users.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Authorities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorities. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share