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
Its methodology, developed by Silver during his time at 538, adjusts for polling house effects and sample types, making it among the most authoritative sources of U.S. political data.
—
Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
He’s made an instant impression with his authoritative physical play, solid four-way mobility and precocious all-around play.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Leadership is often associated with grand speeches, authoritative presence and a commanding voice.
—Mohammad Bahareth, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
There are lots of ways to be an authoritative parent, which can leave moms and dads (but mostly moms) feeling rudderless.
—Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
He’s made an instant impression with his authoritative physical play, solid four-way mobility and precocious all-around play.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Leadership is often associated with grand speeches, authoritative presence and a commanding voice.
—Mohammad Bahareth, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
There are lots of ways to be an authoritative parent, which can leave moms and dads (but mostly moms) feeling rudderless.
—Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
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Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.—
Azeem Khan,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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While that’s a definitive move, there are also questions about a different Republican House member: Could Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) try to challenge New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D)?—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Two influential New York City labor unions that backed Mayor Eric Adams in 2021 switched their support on Monday to former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, reflecting his growing dominance as the race for mayor accelerates.—
Nicholas Fandos,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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The Obama operatives have held control or at a minimum been highly influential in the Democratic Party’s 2016, 2020 and 2024 campaigns.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His parents were Italian immigrants who fled Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime, and his grandmother Rosa Margherita Vassallo di Bergoglio was active in Catholic Action, formed by Italian bishops who wanted to maintain their independence from Mussolini’s authoritarian rule.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
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Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been called an authoritarian, and previous reports have noted restrictions to civil liberties.—
Graham Smith,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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And the exterior of the building, with its classical facade and copper-toned cupola, is stunning, its style only heightened as the city and its buildings have changed around it.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
22 Apr. 2025
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In this dangerous setting, the United States will need to rediscover diplomacy in its classical form—not as a bag carrier for an all-powerful military or as a purveyor of global norms, but as a hard-nosed instrument of strategy.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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As mild-mannered schoolteacher Mr. Lisbon, James Woods plays a quiet counterpoint to his domineering wife.—
Sezin Devi Koehler,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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Among them towers the frighteningly domineering Honoria Glossop.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Emily DeLetter,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Retailers often struggle with data silos, inconsistent quality, and integration issues, Sheridan says, which complicate accurate analysis in addition to concerns around consumer privacy.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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That doesn’t portray a hero, but rather someone so arrogant as to invent his own law and appoint himself its executioner.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2025
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Fed Up in Illinois Dear Fed Up: Is Edie mean, arrogant, disobedient and rude in the presence of her parents, or has she been invited to spend time with your girls separately?—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Earlier this month, the Chinese government escalated things even further, subjecting seven rare earth elements to a more comprehensive export licensing program that covers the whole world and is designed to further choke off American companies.—
Zeyi Yang,
Wired News,
23 Apr. 2025
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All hiring and related data shall be shared with the federal government and subjected to a comprehensive audit by the federal government during the period in which reforms are being implemented, which shall be at least until the end of 2028.—
Kayla Jimenez,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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