authoritative

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​ta·​tive ə-ˈthȯr-ə-ˌtā-tiv 

ȯ-,

-ˈthär-

1

: having, marked by, or proceeding from authority

authoritative church doctrines

an authoritative decision

an authoritative manner

2

: possessing recognized or evident authority : clearly accurate or knowledgeable

an authoritative critique

an authoritative source of information

authoritatively adverb

authoritativeness noun

Synonyms

• classic
• classical
• definitive
• magisterial

Examples of authoritative in a Sentence

The book is an authoritative guide to the city's restaurants.

His manner is polite but authoritative.

She addressed the group with an authoritative voice.

Recent Examples on the Web

Leadership is often associated with grand speeches, authoritative presence and a commanding voice. —Mohammad Bahareth, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

There are lots of ways to be an authoritative parent, which can leave moms and dads (but mostly moms) feeling rudderless. —Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025

The Office of Legal Counsel issues authoritative interpretations of the law for the executive branch through courtlike opinions. —Charlie Savage, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025

But the Cougars are back in the Final Four in authoritative fashion, taking the toughest seed path of any team since North Carolina in 2017. —Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

authority + -ative

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for authoritative

• accommodative
• accumulative
• adjudicative
• administrative
• agglutinative
• ameliorative
• appreciative
• assimilative
• associative
• collaborative
• cooperative
• deliberative

Kids Definition

authoritative

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​ta·​tive ə-ˈthär-ə-ˌtāt-iv 

ȯ-,

-ˈthȯr-

: having or coming from authority

authoritatively adverb

authoritativeness noun