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a magisterial biography of Thomas Jefferson that has never been superseded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

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

Thanks to the director’s magisterial knack with actors (especially non-professionals such as terrific adolescent discovery Nykiya Adams, who, as the protagonist, is in nearly every frame of the film), the result is quite entrancing. —Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2024

The magisterial Japanese noise artist Masami Akita, who has released hundreds of implacably obliterative recordings under the name Merzbow, has shown self-awareness about this mentality of domination. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024

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