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
Unlike traditional Pentecostalism, however, the organization emphasizes modern-day apostles and prophets as authoritative leaders tasked with transforming society and ushering in God’s kingdom on Earth.
—
Art Jipson, The Conversation, 8 July 2025
Those that share traits with the permissive style, such as giving in to the child’s demands, might struggle more than those who lean toward the authoritative style.
—Anna Earl, Parents, 2 July 2025
Whereas serif fonts feel authoritative and timeless, sans serif fonts can feel modern or informal.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Ralphs’ tasteful, authoritative and often-underrated guitar work and songwriting acumen were a trademark of both bands across the 1970s.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Art Jipson, The Conversation, 8 July 2025
Those that share traits with the permissive style, such as giving in to the child’s demands, might struggle more than those who lean toward the authoritative style.
—Anna Earl, Parents, 2 July 2025
Whereas serif fonts feel authoritative and timeless, sans serif fonts can feel modern or informal.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Ralphs’ tasteful, authoritative and often-underrated guitar work and songwriting acumen were a trademark of both bands across the 1970s.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
-
Introducing the 2025 Fortune 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in America.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
13 July 2025
-
One of the things that makes Batman Begins so definitive a depiction of Batman’s origin is that this film, like its sequel The Dark Knight, depicted Gotham City as a living breathing character in the story.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
As the platform nears its 15th anniversary, Instagram is launching a bold new campaign called ANYWAY—a global creative movement co-created with some of today’s most influential artists, including Tyler,The Creator, Rosalía, Fred Again.., Cole Bennett, Clint 419, Nadia Lee Cohen, and Slawn.—
Bryanna Symone,
Essence,
10 July 2025
-
But experience proved influential for some, even if a player hadn’t reached the league yet.—
Jesse Granger,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Whether Trump's death quelled or accelerated authoritarian forces remains an open question.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
-
All of these factors and their contribution to alienation can foster authoritarian beliefs and individualism.—
Nathan Meyers,
The Conversation,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition Revives an RPG Classic Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition is an excellent game for fans of classical high-fantasy D&D.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Stradivarius violins, renowned for their superior acoustics and visual beauty, have a certain mystique in the classical world.—
Asia London Palomba,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Louise Fletcher portrays the domineering head nurse Ratched.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
6 July 2025
-
But Agnes can’t stop barking orders, leaving the household staff at a loss over who to listen to — their domineering former boss or the woman signing their paychecks.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Going back and researching, Gatiss learned this was accurate.—
Jenelle Riley,
Variety,
15 July 2025
-
What other sources would a historian use to double-check that this document is accurate?—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
As the day goes on, Jim goes from a caricature of an arrogant male director to an oddly compelling picture of a pathetic man, moved by spite toward his ex-wife, Anita.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 July 2025
-
Actor Tyler Hilton played Chris Keller, a charming but arrogant musician, on four seasons of the teen soap.—
Bryan West,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
Each year, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund publish a comprehensive report on estimates of national immunization coverage, based on data from 195 countries.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
15 July 2025
-
At the moment, SiriusXM car and streaming plans start at $9.99 per month, going up to $25 per month for its most comprehensive offering.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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