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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 The company does not have the moral or constitutional authority to sell the genetic information of its customers. Moti Mizrahi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025 Kari Lake, a senior adviser at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America, said that the Trump administration had acted within its legal authority. Minho Kim, New York Times, 16 May 2025 An Ohio sheriff's deputy working on a traffic detail near the University of Cincinnati was struck and killed Friday by a vehicle driven by the father of a teenager who was shot and killed by authorities a day earlier, police said. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025 The home of the Double-Double, once praised by late food authority Anthony Bourdain, has continued to expand beyond its California roots in recent years, opening stores in Colorado, Texas and Idaho. James Powel, USA Today, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for authority
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authority
Noun
  • Reality does not meet the hype, according to one expert.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • During a grizzly attack, experts like Manley suggest lying in the fetal position, covering your stomach, being quiet, and playing dead.
    Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • In addition, just over half of respondents (53%) think state government should reallocate existing funds and revenue sources to support public transportation.
    Jack Lavin, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
  • The Trump administration has been rough on workers, particularly government workers — to put it mildly.
    Gary LaBarbera, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Her style leans toward country and Americana with a wide array of rhythmic influences.
    Monica Hooper, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025
  • Launched as a series of limited-edition releases, the Founder’s Collection serves as a creative playground —a place where traditional Kentucky bourbon meets unexpected influences from around the world.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The way their dynamic is structured, Colin fears that one wrong move could bring things to an end, which merely reinforces Ray’s power over him.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • At the time of writing, some 50,000 were still without power in Missouri, according to PowerOutage.us, a service that tracks disruptions.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • During these inspections, travelers may be questioned or their electronic devices looked through as a way to confirm their identity and reasons for being in the U.S.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • And that’s one of the reasons why with him and Edwards at the helm, the Timberwolves are only a win away from a repeat trip to the Western Conference finals.
    Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Despite the ransom payment, Joly did not want to give up his bargaining chip for his freedom, several sources previously told the Miami Herald.
    Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
  • During the speech, McLean mentioned uncertainty in federal funding sources while discussing affordability in Boise.
    Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Get The Recipe 02 of 10 Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Some of Grandma’s recipes take a practiced hand in the kitchen to master, but old-school dump cake recipes are literally foolproof.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 19 May 2025
  • Every art lover must visit The Louvre at least once in their lifetime not just to see Leonardo’s incredible Mona Lisa and the famous Venus de Milo but for the quieter galleries too in the Richelieu wing with works by masters like Rubens, Rembrandt and Vermeer.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Naturally, this rule tends not to apply to celebrities.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 May 2025
  • If deals are not reached, Kennedy will be tasked with developing a new rule that ties the price the U.S. pays for medications to lower prices paid by other countries.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authority.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authority. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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