Synonyms of magisterial

magisterial

adjective

ˌma-jə-ˈstir-ē-əl 

as in authoritative

being the most accurate and apparently thorough

a magisterial biography of Thomas Jefferson that has never been superseded

Synonyms & Similar Words

• authoritative
• classical
• definitive
• classic
• comprehensive
• official
• accurate
• conclusive
• decisive
• correct
• approved
• exhaustive
• complete
• sanctioned
• thorough

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective magisterial contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of magisterial are dictatorial, doctrinaire, dogmatic, and oracular. While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

When is it sensible to use dictatorial instead of magisterial?

The words dictatorial and magisterial can be used in similar contexts, but dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

When would doctrinaire be a good substitute for magisterial?

While in some cases nearly identical to magisterial, doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

In what contexts can dogmatic take the place of magisterial?

While the synonyms dogmatic and magisterial are close in meaning, dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When might oracular be a better fit than magisterial?

Although the words oracular and magisterial have much in common, oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of magisterial

The most recent of these, Wildcat Dome, originally published in Japan in 2013 and newly translated by Lisa Hofmann-Kuroda, is an ambitious, at times magisterial, epic. —Katie Kitamura, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025

This magisterial work, greeted with greatest praise from its first volume and still seen as a landmark of historical writing, concentrated on the late seventeenth century. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 10 June 2025

Twain’s narrative boasts some—discrepancies is too magisterial a word … peculiarities, say. —Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025

Copy Facebook Pinterest Photo by An Rong Xu From my airplane window, the Pearl River unfurled from fogged mountains in a glossy, pale-blue ribbon, a magisterial curve of water that defined the landscape with its flow. —Bonnie Tsui, AFAR Media, 6 May 2025