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as in reason
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

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as in source
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

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun authority contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of authority are command, control, dominion, jurisdiction, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

When is command a more appropriate choice than authority?

While the synonyms command and authority are close in meaning, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When would control be a good substitute for authority?

The meanings of control and authority largely overlap; however, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When might dominion be a better fit than authority?

The words dominion and authority can be used in similar contexts, but dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When can jurisdiction be used instead of authority?

In some situations, the words jurisdiction and authority are roughly equivalent. However, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

In what contexts can power take the place of authority?

The words power and authority are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When could sway be used to replace authority?

The synonyms sway and authority are sometimes interchangeable, but sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

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 authority Travis Decker, a 32-year-old man from Pewaukee accused of killing his three daughters in Washington in June, has been confirmed dead by DNA testing, authorities say. Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 26 Sep. 2025 Two Miami men were killed by an apparent lightning strike during a hunting trip in Highlands County in Central Florida, authorities said. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 The proposal to restrict PFAS in the EU was prepared by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden and submitted to ECHA in January 2023. Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025 Giffords, a Democrat, was the main target, authorities said. Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authority
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authority
Noun
  • But experts remain skeptical about Martínez’s theory of a burial connected to Taposiris Magna.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Since chimps are more like humans than cats or dogs, a unique blend of human and veterinary medicine was necessary to find the right surgical approach, experts said.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Since the Indiana Dunes has both a national and state park, mainly the national park will be impacted by the government shutdown.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • This is a sister organization to the Heritage Foundation, the think tank behind Project 2025—a sweeping conservative policy blueprint aimed at reshaping the federal government by expanding presidential power, dismantling parts of the civil service, and rolling back regulations across agencies.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This zone is crucial for pitch framing, where catchers use their presentation to influence umpires into calling borderline pitches strikes.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2025
  • That lasting influence — in music, fashion, and Brooklyn’s cultural identity — is exactly why the Nets are turning to Biggie as a central figure this season.
    Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This is a sister organization to the Heritage Foundation, the think tank behind Project 2025—a sweeping conservative policy blueprint aimed at reshaping the federal government by expanding presidential power, dismantling parts of the civil service, and rolling back regulations across agencies.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Additional revelations hint of Kiri's evolving powers, the menacing Quaritch bonding with Varang to help defeat the Na'vi, a spectacular air/sea clash between the Ash People, the RDA, and the Na’vi, and Spider threatening to kill someone offscreen.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There are a few reasons for this.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Trump has leaned heavily on the courts during his second term to challenge media outlets, but as of Wednesday night, the president’s legal team has not brought a new lawsuit against ABC, for predictable reasons, according to experts.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • What's Next Chinese research ship operations in neighboring maritime zones are likely to remain a source of controversy as the country continues to strengthen its posture in the region.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • A lot of the information being funneled to him and his peers from news sources wasn't clear.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • His work with rural counties has earned favorable notices, but in urban areas like Phoenix, many of the experts in Joan's reporting raised questions about Livar's effectiveness.
    Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 30 Sep. 2025
  • His business background and financial ties have fueled questions about AO’s independence and its effectiveness as an advocacy group.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bettany played English poet and writer Geoffrey Chaucer in the medieval action-comedy, which starred Ledger as William Thatcher, a peasant squire, fueled by his desire for food and glory, who forges a new identity for himself as a knight when his master dies.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The show, starring Ricardo Gómez and Óscar Jaenada, explores the friendship between a shy young man preparing for the application tests for public office while working as a part-time taxi driver and a master bullfighter.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authority.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authority. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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