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
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Recent Examples of authorities
According to a list of demands posted at the front doors of the mayor’s office, the activists were demanding clarification of the city’s policies regarding police interaction with immigration authorities.
—
Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Some travelers argued with police and insisted on continuing toward Murree, officials said, even as authorities said dozens of vehicles parked outside hotels in the area had been buried under heavy snowfall.
—Arkansas Online, 24 Jan. 2026
All three victims were shot and killed outside the Sky Market on 85th Avenue and International Boulevard, allegedly after the brothers attempted to purchase marijuana from another person who was at the store, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
During the search, authorities seized two rifles, two shotguns and one handgun, along with ammunition, prosecutors said.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Kevin Johnson, a former NFL defensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders, was found dead at a homeless encampment Wednesday, authorities said.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Federal authorities have raided the East Texas ranch of a dog breeder who was recorded on video shooting and killing one of her animals.
—J.d. Miles, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Police have arrested a 31-year-old Baltimore man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in the 2200 block of McCulloh Street, authorities said.
—Luke Parker, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2026
Lennon, 44, was accused of staging a bloody abduction scene at an Oklahoma hotel in 2012 and disappearing after he was charged with child pornography, federal authorities said.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2025
Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Some travelers argued with police and insisted on continuing toward Murree, officials said, even as authorities said dozens of vehicles parked outside hotels in the area had been buried under heavy snowfall.
—Arkansas Online, 24 Jan. 2026
All three victims were shot and killed outside the Sky Market on 85th Avenue and International Boulevard, allegedly after the brothers attempted to purchase marijuana from another person who was at the store, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
During the search, authorities seized two rifles, two shotguns and one handgun, along with ammunition, prosecutors said.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Kevin Johnson, a former NFL defensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders, was found dead at a homeless encampment Wednesday, authorities said.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Federal authorities have raided the East Texas ranch of a dog breeder who was recorded on video shooting and killing one of her animals.
—J.d. Miles, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Police have arrested a 31-year-old Baltimore man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in the 2200 block of McCulloh Street, authorities said.
—Luke Parker, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2026
Lennon, 44, was accused of staging a bloody abduction scene at an Oklahoma hotel in 2012 and disappearing after he was charged with child pornography, federal authorities said.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorities
Noun
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Both of our experts say that incorporating a mix of elements helps the room feel less stark and flat.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
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But many environmental experts, including Earthjustice senior attorney Mychal Ozaeta, say the proposal caters to the coal industry rather than protecting communities.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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It’s also updated in real-time throughout the year and its data is gathered by close monitoring of individual governments’ portals.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
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The fact that money is being deceptively extracted from Americans and funneled to foreign governments and crime rings, harming economic security, stoking fear and empowering bad foreign actors, is a national emergency.—
Caroline Melear,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Designed by the celebrated firm Schultze and Weaver—hotel architects behind New York’s Waldorf Astoria and a collection of landmark Biltmore and luxury properties—the structure rises in Mediterranean Revival splendor, blending Spanish, Moorish, and Italian influences across 150 lush acres.—
Lisa A. Beach,
Southern Living,
23 Jan. 2026
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Wladyka, who has a mixed Japanese-Polish background and has spent considerable time directing in Latin America, gracefully navigates some of the film’s cross-cultural specifics, which also result in an earwormy soundtrack drawn from Japanese and Latin influences.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Left to its own, Greenland will face relentless pressure from adversarial powers seeking influence through investment, infrastructure and political leverage.—
Paul McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
23 Jan. 2026
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The council's seven members with voting powers did not return messages asking for comment.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For these reasons, snow mushrooms are a good choice for dry skin but can also be appropriate for all skin types.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said the forklift program stands out for many reasons.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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NurPhoto via Getty Images FC Barcelona has made a decision on Gavi’s return from injury amid his teammate and close friend Pedri being ruled out for a month according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Charge your devices, arrange alternate heating or power sources, gather your candles and flashlights.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But Taylor’s remarks quickly drew criticism from civil liberties advocates and media scholars, who said his comments risked undermining public safety and the public’s right to document police activity.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
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British universities have jurisdiction over the issuance of visa sponsorships for international scholars.—
Sana Noor Haq,
CNN Money,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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So there's really no choice but for the four major conference commissioners to compile a set of rules and guidelines that make at least a marginal bit of sense.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Georgetown law professor Steve Vladeck, a witness called by Democrats, said the nondisclosure process followed then-existing DOJ guidelines and that Congress only revised notification rules after a 2024 inspector general report.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authorities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorities. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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