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
Alvarez’s arrest comes as federal authorities have dramatically expanded enforcement operations in the MacArthur Park area, carrying out gang sweeps, immigration operations and narcotics investigations that have frequently put Essayli at odds with city officials and advocacy groups.
—
Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
One member escaped and alerted authorities, prompting a rescue operation on May 23.
—CNN Money, 30 May 2026
In some communities distrust of outside authorities and aid organizations has led to attacks on treatment centers, while the outbreak’s spread through Ituri—a major commercial and migration hub—has heightened concerns about wider regional and international transmission.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 May 2026
Plus, in the absence of strong privacy regulations here in the US, there’s little authorities can do about the tracking except press lawmakers to take action, since tech companies are unlikely to do anything that will impact their bottom line.
—Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 29 May 2026
The fire, which rose to a 2-11 alarm, spread to two separate buildings, one to the north and another to the south, authorities said.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
The officer called someone to consult them about his case, likely federal authorities, as is standard in these sorts of traffic stops.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
Canadian actor Stewart McLean's remains have been located, authorities announced Friday.
—Oliver Gettell, Entertainment Weekly, 23 May 2026
Russian defense authorities stated that the exercises tested operational preparedness, command coordination, and rapid deployment procedures for both strategic and tactical forces.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
One member escaped and alerted authorities, prompting a rescue operation on May 23.
—CNN Money, 30 May 2026
In some communities distrust of outside authorities and aid organizations has led to attacks on treatment centers, while the outbreak’s spread through Ituri—a major commercial and migration hub—has heightened concerns about wider regional and international transmission.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 May 2026
Plus, in the absence of strong privacy regulations here in the US, there’s little authorities can do about the tracking except press lawmakers to take action, since tech companies are unlikely to do anything that will impact their bottom line.
—Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 29 May 2026
The fire, which rose to a 2-11 alarm, spread to two separate buildings, one to the north and another to the south, authorities said.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
The officer called someone to consult them about his case, likely federal authorities, as is standard in these sorts of traffic stops.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
Canadian actor Stewart McLean's remains have been located, authorities announced Friday.
—Oliver Gettell, Entertainment Weekly, 23 May 2026
Russian defense authorities stated that the exercises tested operational preparedness, command coordination, and rapid deployment procedures for both strategic and tactical forces.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorities
Noun
-
That stockpile, deep below the surface, is unlikely to have sustained much damage from strikes at ground level, according to the experts, especially given that the Israeli military struck tunnel entrances in the same manner during the Twelve-Day War last year.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
-
With that in mind, the other major variable each year is seasonal conditions, and experts agree that 2023 was as perfect a season as nature can offer.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
While large-scale practical quantum computers remain a work in progress, governments and technology companies increasingly view the field as a strategic industry that could shape future scientific discovery and economic competitiveness.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
31 May 2026
-
However, governments like the United States have cut back their support for programs like the IRC's.—
Sarah Robbins,
NPR,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
The owners’ favorite room is the bathroom, where Alpi California burl wood veneer—which is also featured in the bedorom—an Art Deco checkerboard floor, and a rustic handmade ceramic vase add vintage influences from different movements.—
Nicolas Milon,
Architectural Digest,
30 May 2026
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Executive chef Anand Singh, born in the Himalayan foothills and trained across six countries, runs a menu that moves between Indian live-fire cooking traditions and influences from Japan, China and Thailand.—
Winston Ross,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
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Invading during inopportune weather would spell certain doom for Allied troops and a potentially fatal blow to their efforts against the Axis powers.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
29 May 2026
-
Flanagan has targeted Craig for her support in 2025 of the Laken Riley Act, which expanded federal immigration enforcement powers.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
This group of hotels, which premieres today across our US and UK markets, is special for many reasons.—
Erin Florio,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
That use case is one of the reasons why OpenAI is focused on building infrastructure, Altman said.—
Annie Palmer,Samantha Subin,Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
The coalition is urging the state to find new sources of funding for the work.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
Authorities currently believe the woman shot the man and children before shooting herself, The LA Times reports, citing law enforcement sources.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Five security scholars interviewed by Reuters agreed the infrastructure broadly could support China’s nuclear program, as well as other military purposes.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
-
Our scholars in Park Heights deserve a true athletic experience.—
Madeline Burke,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The Lottery Commission voted Tuesday to authorize regulatory amendments that Executive Director Mark William Bracken said would set rules and regulations for iLottery games.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
-
Supervisors have awarded grants to groups that have run afoul of state rules for charities, and some grants have lacked documentation showing they were properly spent.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authorities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorities. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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