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

Your 1987 portrayal of Titus Andronicus for the Royal Shakespeare Company was a sensation and has been called the authoritative interpretation of the role. —Andrew Goldman, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024

Huang’s note is a vindication by an authoritative third party of CEO Pedro Martinez’s refusal to take out a short-term, high-interest loan that the mayor, a close union ally, proposed in July. —Sarah MacAraeg, Chicago Tribune, 14 Dec. 2024

Its authoritative summaries are popular for good reasons. —Spencer Dorn, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

This conclusion, contained in an authoritative federal report, indicates far-reaching consequences lie ahead for the world. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

authority + -ative

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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