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a magisterial biography of Thomas Jefferson that has never been superseded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

There have been pure hammerings inflicted by a magisterial opponent, there have been vain attempts to keep the score down, there have been have-a-go failures and defensive mishaps. —George Caulkin, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025

The scholar Stewart Patrick, an expert on international institutions, examines this history in detail in his magisterial book, The Best Laid Plans. —Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2018

The final episodes in the sixth season, shot in magisterial black and white, are masterpieces.—TA How to watch: Stream it on Netflix. —Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025

My Heart Skipped, the magisterial prison drama A Prophet or the equally bleak Palme d’Or winner Dheepan. —Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025

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)

Rhymes for magisterial

• immaterial
• managerial
• ministerial
• nonmaterial
• presbyterial
• antibacterial
• biomaterial
• mycobacterial
• arterial
• bacterial
• ethereal
• funereal

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