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
After decades of serving as a reliable, authoritative public repository of basic information about countries, their economies, and their people, The World Factbook disappeared from the internet on February 4 with no advance notice.
—
Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
When broadcast news became a dominant cultural force in the US two of its most authoritative voices were David Brinkley (born in North Carolina) and Walter Cronkite (born in Missouri).
—Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
At just over five feet, the headboard extends dramatically above the frame, giving it an instinctively authoritative silhouette—this is a bed for a primary suite.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026
Said efforts are a great first step, but standard-setters must take the next step and issue authoritative guidance to allow auditing firms to engage with the sector in a substantive manner.
—Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
When broadcast news became a dominant cultural force in the US two of its most authoritative voices were David Brinkley (born in North Carolina) and Walter Cronkite (born in Missouri).
—Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
At just over five feet, the headboard extends dramatically above the frame, giving it an instinctively authoritative silhouette—this is a bed for a primary suite.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026
Said efforts are a great first step, but standard-setters must take the next step and issue authoritative guidance to allow auditing firms to engage with the sector in a substantive manner.
—Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
This is the 18th century, after all — DNA and 23andMe are still two centuries off, so definitive proof of the seemingly impossible lineage will take time and effort to piece together.—
Amy Wilkinson,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The candy analysis has not been peer-reviewed, and in a press release, the FDOH indicated that the study findings aren’t definitive.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Many consider Hunt to be the most well-rounded candidate, given her credentials as a former journalist, her familiarity with the BBC, track record of backing hits like Slow Horses and Sherlock, and her experience at one of the world’s most influential tech companies.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Online, conservatives have threatened to boycott the Super Bowl and the NFL more broadly, with influential voices like Newsmax host Greg Kelly and Tomi Lahren openly criticizing the league for choosing Bad Bunny as the performer.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s Master, tracing the rise of a teacher drawn into local politics in Bangladesh and moving from idealism to authoritarian impulses, won the Big Screen Competition.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Feb. 2026
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What is unique in this moment is how aggressively one political party is leveraging this and the ends to which it is being used, which is to overthrow democracy and to install an authoritarian regime.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While most of the musical performers come from classical Italian forms, Tunisian Italian rapper Ghali will also perform.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2026
-
In addition to the daily jazz shows, the hotel’s programming includes classical music pop-ups, art exhibitions, and poetry readings.—
Devorah Lev-Tov,
Robb Report,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Even though Kenneth was the one to shoot Sheridan, both the jury and the judge accepted the prosecution's argument that Ronald was the domineering brother and had planned and directed the killing.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In the movie, set in medieval England, Anne (Turner) and her domineering mother-in-law, Morwen (Gay Harden), struggle to survive on the outskirts of society.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Sara Moniuszko,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Federal data is fluid and frequently subject to change as more detailed and accurate information becomes available.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
He is paired with an arrogant young partner (Lou), a second-generation political scion whose personality clashes sharply with his own.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2026
-
In the early years of his fame as a writer, Rushdie had something of a reputation for being prickly and arrogant, but Gibney’s portrait reveals a man mellowed by time and experience.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The city plans to roll out a comprehensive outreach campaign so residents are aware of the registration process and can learn more about converting their properties into pollinator gardens.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Desmond Lamb is the executive director of Friends of Yates, a comprehensive community agency in Wyandotte County that operates a domestic violence shelter.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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