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
Reid, a historian, follows in Ajayi’s footsteps with this authoritative survey.
—
Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The book is a compelling, authoritative guide to the intricate dynamics of modern global relations.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
His posture is authoritative without being imposing, his voice warm without being facetious.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
Music consumption data from TME platforms will now be integrated into globally authoritative chart systems including the Billboard Global 200 through the Uni Chart’s professional data system.
—Billboard China, Billboard, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
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The testing process is built for speed and discretion, delivering a definitive answer in approximately two minutes.—
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Without any definitive answers just yet, there's been lots of speculation in the local press, including questions about whether the couple were murdered or died by suicide.—
Adjective
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The decision will cap a months-long search process for arguably the most influential role in the global economy.—
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As any photo of John Lennon, Kenny Loggins, or Gregg Allman in the early seventies will attest, Jesus was one of the most influential forces in fashion at the time, as well as in pop culture.—
Adjective
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Seizures of National Park protected land, destruction of our White House, massive banners of his photo draped on the Department of Labor and USDA buildings — please tell me how Trump’s authoritarian actions are any different from Vladimir Putin or Saddam Hussein?—
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Yet the president told The New York Times on Wednesday that US oversight of Venezuela could last for years, following its toppling of the country’s authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro.—
Adjective
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Alissia is among this year’s nominees for producer of the year, non-classical.—
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With his latest, The Bronze Arms, Hofmann maintains the classical register while moving back further in his life, all the way to a traumatic childhood event, its aftermath and its lifelong symbolism.—
Adjective
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That premonition rings true when his parents (Tara Buckman, Geoff Hansen) are slaughtered by a carjacker dressed as Old Saint Nick himself (Charles Dierkop) just hours later, condemning the toddler into further moral compass trauma at an orphanage run by a domineering Mother Superior nun from Hell.—
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Orgon’s only ally is his domineering parade float of a mother, Madame Pernelle (the Bianca del Rio), who sails onto the stage in high dudgeon at the top of the play.—
Adjective
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Mostly, though, Boland strangles batters with his suffocating and deadly-accurate line and length.—
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Comedians can sometimes be eerily accurate in the way their jokes predict the future.—
Adjective
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This version of Ryan was arrogant, unable to conceal pride in his accomplishment.—
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So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.—
Adjective
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Nominees will be put through a comprehensive and rigorous process of researching and scoring across a wide range of quantitative and qualitative criteria, including scalability, revenue and user growth, and the use of breakthrough technology.—
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In an important essay, Andrew Sullivan noted this past fall that Trump’s indecency is comprehensive in style and substance.—
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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