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

YouTube said the platform has a multilayered approach to connect users with authoritative news and information while ensuring a variety of viewpoints are represented. —Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024

Because in the absence of a national election authority, calls made by the AP—a nonprofit cooperative—have long been accepted as authoritative. —Wired Staff, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024

The partnerships allow OpenAI to include more authoritative, up-to-date information within its products. —Shirin Ghaffary, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024

Thus Internet denizens compete to make the best, most authoritative or provocative recommendations. —Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 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