1
as in experts
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
the leading authority on neural anatomy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in governments
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation)
the sheriff had authority over the whole county
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in influences
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
speaks with a persuasive authority on matters of public health
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in powers
the right or means to command or control others
by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in reasons
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
I had good authority to believe that the information was correct
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in sources
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information
the Bible is the sole authority for his impassioned defense of creationism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of authorities
Decker was last seen alive with his three daughters on May 30, according to authorities.
—
Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Wenatchee Police Department Decker, whom his ex-wife described to authorities as homeless and experiencing mental health issues, had a planned visitation with their daughters a few days before their bodies were found.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2025
Artamonov, a 2003 Harvard graduate with a master’s in business administration, used the school’s alumni network to identify investors, authorities said.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
Underwood's complaint followed a statement released by Rawn on June 17, stating Fayetteville police did not help federal immigration authorities.
—Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2025
In the vehicle found by investigators, camping gear and backpacks were found, which concerned authorities due to heavy rain and bad weather, according to officials.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025
To support these claims, the authorities referenced exchanged texts and emails touting the scheme.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Yet many Arabs, and not a few of the British military authorities tasked with its implementation, opposed the declaration.
—Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
These include the offices of the country’s beleaguered transitional authorities and the National Palace, and Pétion-Ville either on the verge of collapse or invaded by armed groups.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Wenatchee Police Department Decker, whom his ex-wife described to authorities as homeless and experiencing mental health issues, had a planned visitation with their daughters a few days before their bodies were found.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2025
Artamonov, a 2003 Harvard graduate with a master’s in business administration, used the school’s alumni network to identify investors, authorities said.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
Underwood's complaint followed a statement released by Rawn on June 17, stating Fayetteville police did not help federal immigration authorities.
—Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2025
In the vehicle found by investigators, camping gear and backpacks were found, which concerned authorities due to heavy rain and bad weather, according to officials.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025
To support these claims, the authorities referenced exchanged texts and emails touting the scheme.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Yet many Arabs, and not a few of the British military authorities tasked with its implementation, opposed the declaration.
—Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
These include the offices of the country’s beleaguered transitional authorities and the National Palace, and Pétion-Ville either on the verge of collapse or invaded by armed groups.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorities
Noun
-
But throughout the forum, experts warned against rushing into adoption for the sake of innovation.—
Lauren Giella,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Therefore, human accessibility experts and user testers with disabilities must always be kept in the loop.—
Gus Alexiou,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Every action counts, whether reducing HFCs, investing in sustainable cooling, or holding governments accountable for climate commitments.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Borrowing costs have surged for businesses and governments in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa in the last five years, according to a new report by Moody’s.—
Preeti Jha,
semafor.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Alan Faena collaborated with the Faena Design Team and Peter Mikic Studios to create interiors that weave Faena’s signature design with local influences that honor Manhattan’s energy.—
Devorah Lev-Tov,
AFAR Media,
15 Sep. 2025
-
How much of that comes from your own instincts versus borrowing from past or present influences?—
Rob Wolkenbrod,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
While the Gulf states may well reconsider aspects of their defense and procurement policies, a major re-pivot to primarily buying military hardware, especially sophisticated equipment, from China or Russia and other rivals of the Western powers seems highly unlikely.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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At the peak of his powers, Urquidy was a finesse pitcher who relied on command.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The route, closed to the public for security reasons, was lined by 22 half-companies representing all branches of the armed forces.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The very different siblings, who are each going through their own personal life challenges, have naturally gone in separate directions over the years, and the idea of spending 10 days cooped up on a river cruise together makes each Keller child cringe for their own reasons.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
However, the picture of severe armored attrition for Russia is consistent across multiple sources.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Questions remain about carbon-capture wells Arizona is the nation’s largest producer of copper, an essential component in the electrification of cars and household appliances, as well as renewable power sources.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The scholars included a variety of specialists, including experts in the text of the Quran, jurisprudence, and calligraphy.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Multiple rights experts and scholars say Israel's military assault on Gaza amounts to genocide.—
Jarrett Renshaw,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The big focus from the new rules are on things related to teams of super heroes.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Charter schools are overseen by independent boards, overwhelmingly, like nonprofit boards of directors that manage the oversight and then follow all or most of the same government rules related to public schools.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Authorities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorities. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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