magisterial

adjective

mag·​is·​te·​ri·​al ˌma-jə-ˈstir-ē-əl 

1

a(1)

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a master or teacher : authoritative

(2)

: marked by an overbearingly dignified or assured manner or aspect

b

: of, relating to, or required for a master's degree

2

: of or relating to a magistrate or a magistrate's office or duties

magisterially

ˌma-jə-ˈstir-ē-ə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• authoritative
• classic
• classical
• definitive

Choose the Right Synonym for magisterial

dictatorial, magisterial, dogmatic, doctrinaire, oracular mean imposing one's will or opinions on others.

dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Examples of magisterial in a Sentence

He spoke with a magisterial tone.

a magisterial biography of Thomas Jefferson that has never been superseded

Recent Examples on the Web

Here are five other movies about the magisterial singer-songwriter whose life and lyrics have forever expanded the contours of American music. —Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

That’s part of the Dune trap — moviegoers for the 1984 version were greeted with a glossary of terminology — but so far, the show doesn’t have the magisterial wonder of the Villeneuve films to give it a boost. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024

Heston’s square-jawed nobility was rarely better exploited — not even a cameo from Jesus near the end can overshadow his magisterial heroism. 41. —Will Leitch, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2024

Amazon This magisterial work focuses on the failure to prevent World War II. —Andrew Moravcsik, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin magisterialis of authority, from magisterium office of a master, from magister

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Kids Definition

magisterial

adjective

mag·​is·​te·​ri·​al ˌmaj-ə-ˈstir-ē-əl 

1

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a master or teacher

2

: of or relating to a magistrate or the office or duties of a magistrate

magisterially

-ē-ə-lē 

adverb