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
Dick Cable was known for his booming, authoritative voice.
—
Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
David Jolly strikes me, having met with and heard him, as both authoritative and humble.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Denver landed an authoritative punch in the second and third quarters of Game 1 to open this playoff series against the Timberwolves.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2026
In 1979 the two aspirations—compact readers’ editions and authoritative texts—met in Library of America.
—Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
David Jolly strikes me, having met with and heard him, as both authoritative and humble.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Denver landed an authoritative punch in the second and third quarters of Game 1 to open this playoff series against the Timberwolves.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2026
In 1979 the two aspirations—compact readers’ editions and authoritative texts—met in Library of America.
—Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
With Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, there is not even a definitive historical consensus on where those boys died.—
Charley Crockett,
Rolling Stone,
19 May 2026
-
There was a sense of endings at St James’ Park; not definitive, not complete, but persuasive, a final home game for Kieran Trippier as a Newcastle player, and a feeble waft of farewell in the colour of claret.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
In the new research, when other influential factors were considered, only amitriptyline and nortriptyline remained linked with a higher risk of ADHD.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
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This highly influential early 19th century poetry collection seems to sit comfortably among Yoo’s work.—
Diana Arterian,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
The show, which featured a sizzling performance by Walton Goggins, as an authoritarian vigilante, was an avant-garde breakthrough for television.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Given the authoritarian nature of the government and its control of the media, the full, brutal extent of these crackdowns are never seen by those inside the country, much less by foreigners.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
The sisters’ mission involves a dangerous and violent road trip; the fierce Racine outdoes the sensitive Anaia in her bloodlust, and the drama, reminiscent of classical tragedy, resounds with mythopoetic overtones.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
-
The range of genres is impressive — classical music, rock, Persian and Taiko ensembles, new music, punk, electronica, DJs and more.—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Down at the bottom of the hierarchy, or really not ranked at all, is Lucien (Jérémy Gillet), a fey and cosseted twink of privilege who longs to meet Jim but is kept at home, safely away from anything gay, by his domineering mother.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
-
Arenberg will play the sisters’ domineering father.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Yet his account is dead-on accurate, and for proof one need only look to the original Progressives, who were open in their disdain of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
21 May 2026
-
Should one ever want to imagine what a future boutique resort could look like on the Moon, or Mars, a stay at Echo could be the most accurate preview.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
Adjective
-
The tricky part of being a celebrity like Firstman on the internet is that some people can conflate your comedic persona (which is maybe a little arrogant, a little colorful) with your real identity.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
-
Hunter is stubborn, arrogant and gifted enough to play for the Briar hockey team, yet refuses to for reasons the show has yet to reveal.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Mavericks now begin a comprehensive search for their next head coach, hoping their next candidate is a promising figure with little regard for the spree of bad luck that has encumbered this organization.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 May 2026
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Most clinics start with comprehensive evaluations that can include CT, MRI and DXA scans, blood panels, cognitive testing, fitness assessments and genome sequencing.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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