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
The project of canons, however flawed, is one of the few ways to push against that flattening logic, to argue that history should remember more than what, say, SiriusXM chooses to bankroll and gets an authoritative New York Times write-up.
—
Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
The decision means that in the authoritative opinion of the international legal community, all countries are under an obligation to contribute to the efforts to reduce global greenhouse emissions.
—Lauren Gifford, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2025
In other words, an authoritative voice that understood so little.
—Sheila Heti
august 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
Uchis, 31, is equally adept and authoritative whether performing reggaeton or boleros, cumbia or reggae, hip-hop or dance-pop, R&B or electronica.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
The decision means that in the authoritative opinion of the international legal community, all countries are under an obligation to contribute to the efforts to reduce global greenhouse emissions.
—Lauren Gifford, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2025
In other words, an authoritative voice that understood so little.
—Sheila Heti
august 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
Uchis, 31, is equally adept and authoritative whether performing reggaeton or boleros, cumbia or reggae, hip-hop or dance-pop, R&B or electronica.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
The most definitive way of diagnosing MASH is via a liver biopsy.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The key factor here is whether the product meets our rigorous and definitive clean standard (detailed above) while offering exceptional and impressive results.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Psychologist Meg Jay, in her influential book The Defining Decade, warns against passivity but also reassures that change and momentum can be built at any age.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
One influential boxing figure in the United States, who spoke to The Athletic on condition of anonymity to protect working relationships, said the Saudi purses have changed how fighters assess their bouts.—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, the same institutions once intimidated by authoritarian power have declared that a former commander-in-chief conspired to revoke the 2022 election, assassinate rivals, and eventually unleash street chaos to hold on to power.—
Julia Vargas Jones,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Ray's father was a dissenter who was executed by the Major himself for his outspoken anti-authoritarian views, and Ray wants revenge.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The program will include classical orchestral pieces and beloved movie soundtracks.—
Debra Skodack,
Kansas City Star,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The shade was seen as embodying classical ideals, evoking a Mediterranean warmth.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Managers often grow more assertive (sometimes drifting into domineering).—
Dave Winsborough,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Also in the cast: Emmy winner Laurie Metcalfe, as Augusta Gein, the murderer's religious, domineering mother; Tom Hollander as director Alfred Hitchcock; Olivia Williams as the filmmaker's wife, Alma Reville Hitchcock; and Lesley Manville, as Gein's second murder victim, Bernice Worden.—
Chris Foran,
jsonline.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Customer service and tech support will provide faster resolutions and more accurate answers.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
That volume of data is impractical to fit theoretical models to deliver large-scale, accurate predictions.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Zane played the arrogant Cal Hockley, who was engaged to Jack's love interest, Rose (played by Kate Winslet).—
Virginia Chamlee,
People.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Hardly seems like enough to cow these arrogant companies into behaving, especially when their business model is so intrinsically tied to hoovering up other people’s information and creative work.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Researchers will continue monitoring the southern resident population while advocating for comprehensive recovery efforts.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Unlike past efforts, China offers a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, from drones and radar to naval assets, that could form the technological basis of a shared force.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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