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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 In mere hours, the river rose by many feet, the authorities and residents said, overtaking its banks and pouring into people’s homes, including in Poza Rica, a small working-class city in Veracruz State. Cristopher Rogel Blanquet, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Zettel's murder comes years after a restraining order against her daughter expired and several distressing incidents involving Lauren Spors were reported to authorities in the last decade. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025 That individual provided authorities with the name of the street in Southfield where the vehicle had been parked and soon after, Michigan State Police managed to find the remains and identify them as being those of Thomas. Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 But state resources don’t have any authority over an HOA to help open up more spots, Chesnut said. Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authority
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authority
Noun
  • Earlier this week, OpenAI announced a council of eight experts who will advise the company and provide insight into how AI affects users’ mental health, emotions and motivation.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
  • This is done in an effort to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses and decimate civilian morale, experts have said.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • By refusing to specify details of the case, the government keeps the possibility alive of changing their reasoning or their claims to have the same effect for different reasons—just as the mob changes its reasoning for killing Cinna.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Dale has state government, education, radio and television experience as well.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Frehley’s friends and fellow musicians remembered him and his influence.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Critics have also said that political portrayals of Antifa as a unified or centrally directed domestic terror group exaggerate its organization and influence.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Zebra mussels can completely clog water intake structures and affect public water supplies, power generation and many other industries.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Dallas Cowboys climbed up most NFL power rankings lists following their 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Today with Jenna & Friends co-host credited her sister as the reason for many of her successes, including her role as a television host.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The Raptors’ 34-11 advantage in fast-break points was the biggest reason for that.
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Jourdan is a relatively calm ghost (staff report objects being moved around the restaurant), but there’s a slightly more active spirit in the Courtyard Bar, where there have been three instances of an unknown source throwing a glass from across the room.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are both good sources of dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, and other essential nutrients.
    Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Theetge will be on leave pending an internal investigation on the effectiveness of her leadership, according to a release from the city manager.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Tester notes highlight the blanket’s ease of use and effectiveness.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After giving a peek at her family, Eilish ran with a handheld camcorder linked to the big screen, showing her polo-wearing band and the soundboard masters stationed below the risers.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Completed in the mid-1950s by master builder Joe Pawling for wealthy Illinois philanthropists and socialites George and Marcia Barrett, Holden occupied the digs from 1966 to 1977.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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