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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 Aircraft Accidents and Disasters USA TODAY At least eight people were killed when a hot air balloon crashed in Brazil, authorities said on June 21. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 21 June 2025 He was charged with multiple felony counts of check fraud last March and missed his court hearing in Butte Superior Court, marking him as a fugitive, authorities said. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2025 Handling Mistakes Traditional leaders see mistakes as a threat to authority. William Arruda, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Chelan County Sheriff's Office Last week, authorities asked people who live or own cabins in remote areas of several Washington state counties to lock their doors, including locking up sheds, while the search continued. Sarah Lynch Baldwin june 9, CBS News, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for authority
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authority
Noun
  • There are a few items our experts say are acceptable to hang up or place on a drying rack to dry naturally instead of tossing in the dryer.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
  • An in-house team of economic experts at Anthropic plan to award 20 to 50 global research grants of up to $50,000 each, and provide free access to Anthropic’s AI products to assist in the analysis.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Weekly analysis and insights from Asia’s largest economy in your inbox Subscribe now On Wednesday, Li urged global business leaders and senior government representatives to collaborate and avoid turning trade into a political or security issue.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • Even after Trump was elected, senior Israeli government officials purportedly said a decision was reached in March—about one month before Trump met with Netanyahu in Washington—to strike Iran with or without U.S. assistance, according to The Post.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
  • However, she was found guilty of operating under the influence.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • The senate’s habitual obsession with women as a threat (to conquest, power, imperial security, male dignity) cannot be overstated.
    Literary Hub June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
  • Why Tacit Knowledge Often Isn't Shared Despite its power, tacit knowledge rarely flows freely.
    Wayne Yu, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • However, the High Priestess shows February being full of rest and healing, urging you to slow down and listen to your intuition… because your sixth sense is strong for a reason.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Phelan calls the Allegro 2 the Rolls Royce of reformers—and for good reason.
    Amy Wilkinson, SELF, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Pollinator pots are small containers designed to provide an easy source of nourishment for pollinators.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
  • The Yacht Venetian sources say the wedding flotilla would consist of three vessels including the Koru, one of the largest sailing boats in the world at 417 feet — which is too large for the canals, so it will be anchored in the Venice lagoon.
    Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Twelve percent have master’s degrees or higher, compared with 14% nationally.
    Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025
  • The Skokie native works at Google and recently graduated from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management with a master’s degree in business administration, according to her campaign.
    Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The charitable event, which launched in 2006 as an offshoot of the 24 Hour Plays project, has strict rules.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Going by this assessment, the Republican bill would violate the rule that determines what legislation can clear the Senate with a simple majority, which could force Republicans to amend significant portions of the legislation.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authority.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authority. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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