1
as in definitive
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
this book is considered the most authoritative source on that subject
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in influential
having power over the minds or behavior of others
after a couple of authoritative critics panned the movie, the other reviewers rushed to say how awful it was
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in authoritarian
fond of ordering people around
she's very authoritative for someone who doesn't actually outrank us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of authoritative
We are put in charge of making our own way, through tapestries and tea sets, past ancient jug and contemporary sphinx, without heavy-handed authoritative direction.
—
Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
This is the version of Banchero the Magic need; not just productive, but authoritative.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
First established in 1878, Brain is widely considered the most influential publication in the field, with its monthly editorials being a key source of authoritative perspectives.
—Big Think, 14 Apr. 2026
Smith makes sure that Noah is authoritative, commanding attention with a soft heart.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
This is the version of Banchero the Magic need; not just productive, but authoritative.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
First established in 1878, Brain is widely considered the most influential publication in the field, with its monthly editorials being a key source of authoritative perspectives.
—Big Think, 14 Apr. 2026
Smith makes sure that Noah is authoritative, commanding attention with a soft heart.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
State Republican lawmakers didn’t offer definitive assessments of the map on Monday.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The story behind sports’ most universal gesture is a genuine historical mystery with at least two credible origin claims, a handful of murkier ones and no definitive answer.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Over the past five weeks, Rubio, Sessions and influential GOP lobbyist Brian Ballard testified at the foreign-agent trial.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The movie took in $248M global and became one of the most successful and influential horror movies ever.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Advertisement The orthodox and authoritarian left in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela has, in many ways, sabotaged and delayed the renewal of the Latin American left.—
Carlos Manuel Alvarez,
Time,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Snow’s life’s work has been sustaining a Hobbesian authoritarian government.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Within a city landscape in the capital of Georgia that mixes classical and contemporary architecture, the ultra-modern indoor arena stands out like an extraterrestrial mothership.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The rooms The 51 rooms are spread across four floors, each with a music theme—contemporary, classical, opera, or jazz.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The new biopic of Jackson from director Antoine Fuqua and the Jackson estate paints the gloved one as the one true victim — a harmless Peter Pan figure whose own childhood was snatched away by a domineering father.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Joseph has a cruel and domineering air about him.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
While both weight and waist circumference can indicate health, waist circumference is more accurate.—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The series has devolved into a hysteria that the young and arrogant Timberwolves feed on since that first quarter of Game 2.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
-
However, many thought Tilson Thomas too brash and arrogant to lead an orchestra, and, around the same time, Tilson Thomas fell in with New York’s disco-hopping crowd.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Interceptor drones as part of a comprehensive air defense system are now being sought by Middle East and Gulf countries amid the Iran war, according to Ukrainian officials.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
With overwhelming bipartisan support, Indiana enacted one of the most comprehensive state-level national security laws in the country.—
Joe Gebbia Sr,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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