1
as in definitive
being the most accurate and apparently thorough this book is considered the most authoritative source on that subject

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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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of authoritative To be sure, not every Founding Father was against the idea of an authoritative executive branch leader. Miranda Jeyaretnam, TIME, 20 Feb. 2025 This was the sort of authoritative result that proves Missouri could make some noise come March. Brendan Marks, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 Isbell’s authoritative vocal performance also highlighted his savvy wordplay and observations, tools that reinforced his music’s tight links with descriptive language and honest perspective. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025 Documentaries recounting the show’s famous moments and scandals have littered the airwaves over the years, and the book Live From New York already offers an authoritative history. David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
  • According to multiple reputable sources, including Reuters, CoinDesk, Economic Times and Bloomberg, these influential voices are: Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Alamo Lamar, March 7, 3 p.m. Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror From humble origins as a London fringe theater play to its meteoric rise, fall and resurrection as the biggest cult film of all time, this is the definitive story of the Rocky Horror Show.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Weighing most heavily on the market was superstar stock Nvidia, one of Wall Street’s most influential companies that’s been leading the market for years.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The most influential leaders establish credibility through reliability, transparency, and consistency in their messaging.
    Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Fragile post-conflict governments often struggle to maintain popular support, and without a strong commitment to justice and accountability, there is a real risk that authoritarian tendencies will resurface.
    PATRICK VINCK, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The authoritarian manosphere is organized around a hierarchy topped by heroic male warriors.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In a time of upheaval and uncertainty, the classical pianist and best-selling author Jeremy Denk, like many people, is trying to figure out how to cope.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Most systems still rely on classical computing architecture to handle many tasks, which creates speed bottlenecks.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Here's Your Zodiac Love Compatibility, Based on Your Sign Sagittarius: Rachel Chu from Crazy Rich Asians To maintain her relationship, Rachel takes on a fight with her boyfriend’s domineering mother Eleanor.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • He’s had something of a habit of playing domineering fathers, doing so on Ugly Betty (2006–2007) and as Charles Widmore on Lost (2006–2010).
    Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But new correspondence with The Times raises questions about whether that narrative is accurate, or if Bass is withholding public records.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Its night time resting heart heart rate measurement is 99.6% accurate, while its heart rate variability (the variation in time between consecutive heart beats) is 98% accurate when compared to a medical-grade electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the heart’s electrical activity.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The actor has one daughter with ex-wife Melanie Griffith and has been dating his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel since 2014. 05 of 09 John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad The actor behind the arrogant Lord Farquaad boasts an impressive career that began decades before Shrek came out in 2001.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Many members of its board appeared arrogant in the face of questions from the prosecutor or one of the lawyers.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet many enterprise brands still struggle to implement comprehensive creator marketing programs that deliver measurable results across the entire customer journey.
    Scott Sutton, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The comprehensive visualization includes specialized features like pools and outdoor spaces, as well as ensuring your garage is perfectly suited for your needs, even down to charging stations for electric vehicles.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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