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
The next day, authorities announced the student's real name is Anthony Michael Lennon and he'd been captured after more than a decade on the run.
—
Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2025
His car was later found abandoned, and authorities began searching the area.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
The man was arrested by authorities, said Mexico City mayor, Clara Brugada.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
In the city by the river the authorities raised banners across buildings and lampposts to proclaim pride in their children and wish them luck.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
The man's identity has not been released, and authorities declined to comment on the homicide investigation that led to his warrant.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 6 Nov. 2025
The state points to new guidance from federal health authorities.
—Will McDuffie, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2025
Immigration authorities use the airport in Gary to conduct deportation flights.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Middlebury students joined authorities in the search for Smith, MyNBC5 reports.
—Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2025
His car was later found abandoned, and authorities began searching the area.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
The man was arrested by authorities, said Mexico City mayor, Clara Brugada.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
In the city by the river the authorities raised banners across buildings and lampposts to proclaim pride in their children and wish them luck.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
The man's identity has not been released, and authorities declined to comment on the homicide investigation that led to his warrant.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 6 Nov. 2025
The state points to new guidance from federal health authorities.
—Will McDuffie, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2025
Immigration authorities use the airport in Gary to conduct deportation flights.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Middlebury students joined authorities in the search for Smith, MyNBC5 reports.
—Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorities
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
Western governments have imposed sanctions on her in the past for her part in sustaining Maduro’s administration.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The evidence is overwhelming and very difficult for high-polluting foreign governments to credibly challenge.—
Chip Lamarca,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While 2025 denim was nearly a carbon copy of 2024—loose fits, Western influences, denim coordinates and minimal distressing—2026 could see an injection of newness.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Hormonal influences are also important, says Reese, particularly because autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women and often emerge during reproductive years or following major hormonal shifts such as pregnancy.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While falling behind is a real concern, particularly compared to China’s advances, there is also evidence that the Russia has not integrated its satellite systems into its military infrastructure as well as many other space powers.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The big powers, the hope for any progress in Darfur runs through Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, through Abu Dhabi, the capital of United Arab Emirates, Cairo, the capital of Egypt.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Why Atlas stood out at CES 2026 CNET pointed to Atlas’ humanlike walking ability and refined industrial design as key reasons for the award.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
If the reasons behind an expense feel fuzzy, analyze the details and ask for a clear summary, because precise information turns hesitation into a calm, confident decision.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That said, many of the gains players made here won’t dramatically affect their bottom lines, and the reality is that most players on ECHL deals will still need those second jobs and other sources of income to continue to chase their dream of making it to the next level.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
But sources with knowledge of the business tell PEOPLE that the interpretation misses critical context — and that the data instead points to a brand experiencing strong demand and preparing for international expansion.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Rolling Stone spoke with two scholars who explain that the clips, overwhelmingly targeting Black women, play on decades-old stereotypes used to slander welfare recipients.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Multiple scholars focus on the Black and Native experiences, allowing those sides of the stories to feel like more than mere footnotes, if never truly focal.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
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 9 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share