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
For China’s grueling annual college entrance exam earlier this month – which more than 10 million hopefuls take each year – authorities required screening of all glasses.
—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
27 June 2026
Family members of Leatherwood identified Rodriguez as one of the suspects, though local and federal authorities had not initially confirmed that connection publicly.
—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
27 June 2026
Two weeks ago, Lutnick invoked export control authorities to require Anthropic to shut off access to its two most capable systems, Mythos 5 and Fable 5, citing threats to national security.
—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
In October, new information confirmed Vander Meer’s relationship with SH, prompting authorities to renew the investigation.
—
Kori McNair,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
Guajardo also warned people against interfering with immigration authorities without the proper training.
—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2026
Hours later, both men got into an argument at the business, which led to the shooting, authorities said.
—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Crucially, all gambling income must be voluntarily reported, even without a W-2G, as tax authorities can easily track digital betting activity.
—
Nathan Goldman,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
These include the offices of the country’s beleaguered transitional authorities and the National Palace, and Pétion-Ville either on the verge of collapse or invaded by armed groups.
—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2025
John Liu,
CNN Money,
27 June 2026
Family members of Leatherwood identified Rodriguez as one of the suspects, though local and federal authorities had not initially confirmed that connection publicly.
—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
27 June 2026
Two weeks ago, Lutnick invoked export control authorities to require Anthropic to shut off access to its two most capable systems, Mythos 5 and Fable 5, citing threats to national security.
—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
In October, new information confirmed Vander Meer’s relationship with SH, prompting authorities to renew the investigation.
—
Kori McNair,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
Guajardo also warned people against interfering with immigration authorities without the proper training.
—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2026
Hours later, both men got into an argument at the business, which led to the shooting, authorities said.
—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Crucially, all gambling income must be voluntarily reported, even without a W-2G, as tax authorities can easily track digital betting activity.
—
Nathan Goldman,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
These include the offices of the country’s beleaguered transitional authorities and the National Palace, and Pétion-Ville either on the verge of collapse or invaded by armed groups.
—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorities
Noun
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Atlanta experts in fitness and nutrition say the World Cup offers a rare opportunity for people to turn inspiration into action.
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The experts say that alone is a red flag.
Noun
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On Friday, the Israeli and Lebanese governments agreed a process by which the Lebanese military (LAF) would gradually take control of zones in southern Lebanon.
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The findings come as governments around the world, including the UK, have proposed social media bans of their own.
Noun
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The hillside home has been thoughtfully restored and updated with Scandinavian and Japanese design influences.
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For Sirmans, those influences give the exhibition a particular resonance in Miami.
Noun
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Toph escapes the clutches of her mother — who poisoned and kidnapped her — by revealing her earthbending powers, breaking out of the metal cage to rejoin Team Avatar.
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That may have been acceptable in the decades following the Cold War, but today's geopolitical environment is pushing both major and mid-sized military powers to prioritize advanced weapon systems that can be manufactured quickly, in large numbers, and at lower cost.
Noun
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Whatever the reasons, the result is somewhat ironic.
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Another possibility is that AMD made the move for performance reasons.
Noun
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The budget is also expected to include additional funding for Fair Fares and NYC Kids RISE, a college savings plan program, sources told The News.
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Late last week, it was reported that Mangione had been in talks with federal prosecutors about a possible plea deal, but that had fallen aside, sources familiar with the matter said.
Noun
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The manuscript, a treatise of Epicurean philosophy also likely written by Philodemus, was entirely unknown to scholars before the Challenge.
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Electronic dance music scholars have noted that countercultural scenes have shifted into a global industry, reshaping or erasing local meanings in favor of commercialization.
Noun
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That includes the 2013 Supreme Court decision that allowed states and counties with a history of discriminatory voting rules to make changes without prior approval from the Department of Justice.
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While there are a few unspoken rules for the main course—most people stick to the classic protein, starch, and vegetable combo—appetizers can be practically anything.
Cite this Entry
“Authorities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorities. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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