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

Washington so far has remained largely silent regarding Iran's role in enabling Houthi attacks, despite authoritative evidence that weapons deliveries from the Islamic Republic are responsible for making the group's activities possible. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024

Written with the insight and wit that are the trademarks of John Thelin’s other books on higher education, College Sports offers an authoritative account of the good and the bad that intercollegiate athletics has brought to our institutions of higher education. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Sound quality, meanwhile, is above average with crisp highs, authoritative bass, and excellent noise cancellation. —Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024

His ability to get his team back on track with an authoritative win would speak volumes about the legitimacy of Washington’s turnaround. —Mike Jones, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 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