authoritative
adjective
au·thor·i·ta·tive
ə-ˈthȯr-ə-ˌtā-tiv 
ȯ-,
-ˈthär-
1
: having, marked by, or proceeding from authority
authoritative church doctrines
an authoritative decision
an authoritative manner
2
: possessing recognized or evident authority : clearly accurate or knowledgeable
an authoritative critique
an authoritative source of information
authoritatively
adverb
authoritativeness
noun
Examples of authoritative in a Sentence
The book is an authoritative guide to the city's restaurants.
His manner is polite but authoritative.
She addressed the group with an authoritative voice.
Recent Examples on the Web
Like Armani, the brand shows that subtle adjustments in cut and layering can transform simple pieces into something quietly authoritative, proving that restraint and precision remain central to their vision.
—
Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
In June, more than 20 authoritative organizations, including the National Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, expressed serious concerns for the health impacts of overhauling the advisory committee.
—Jordan Miller, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
In a time of noise and distraction, his quiet yet authoritative voice continues to show the way.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Making use of both anchors in such fashion would put an authoritative person in the field and the studio, this person suggested, while giving the newscast the ability to deliver breaking news at the top of the broadcast.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
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Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
In June, more than 20 authoritative organizations, including the National Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, expressed serious concerns for the health impacts of overhauling the advisory committee.
—Jordan Miller, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
In a time of noise and distraction, his quiet yet authoritative voice continues to show the way.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Making use of both anchors in such fashion would put an authoritative person in the field and the studio, this person suggested, while giving the newscast the ability to deliver breaking news at the top of the broadcast.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritative. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
authoritative
adjective
au·thor·i·ta·tive
ə-ˈthär-ə-ˌtāt-iv
ȯ-,
-ˈthȯr-
: having or coming from authority
authoritatively
adverb
authoritativeness
noun
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