1
as in experts
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
the leading authority on neural anatomy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in governments
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation)
the sheriff had authority over the whole county
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in influences
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
speaks with a persuasive authority on matters of public health
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in powers
the right or means to command or control others
by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in reasons
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
I had good authority to believe that the information was correct
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in sources
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information
the Bible is the sole authority for his impassioned defense of creationism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of authorities
Canadian authorities found the Patels later that morning, dead from the cold.
—
Ryan J. Foley, Twin Cities, 16 Nov. 2024
Howard was arrested Wednesday in Danville, and reportedly made a statement to police, but authorities haven’t revealed the details of it.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
One of those four was an 18-year-old, authorities said.
—Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Unless prosecutors file charges by Friday afternoon, he will be released from jail, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Turkish authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
—Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
They were turned over to the federal authorities.
—Louis Casiano, Fox News, 5 Oct. 2024
Of the 135 people apprehended, 13 hailed from Turkey and one from China, authorities said.
—Louis Casiano, Fox News, 5 Oct. 2024
The authorities do not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths.
—Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Ryan J. Foley, Twin Cities, 16 Nov. 2024
Howard was arrested Wednesday in Danville, and reportedly made a statement to police, but authorities haven’t revealed the details of it.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
One of those four was an 18-year-old, authorities said.
—Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Unless prosecutors file charges by Friday afternoon, he will be released from jail, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Turkish authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
—Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
They were turned over to the federal authorities.
—Louis Casiano, Fox News, 5 Oct. 2024
Of the 135 people apprehended, 13 hailed from Turkey and one from China, authorities said.
—Louis Casiano, Fox News, 5 Oct. 2024
The authorities do not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths.
—Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorities
Noun
-
Whether these sweeping changes will be enough to turn the tide remains a point of debate among experts.Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
-
The company is preparing for Phase II trials and is in discussions with experts in India regarding the best indication for the next phase.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
This new insight into how workers and technology interact comes from BCG Henderson Institute’s recent scientific field experiment, conducted with scholars from Boston University and OpenAI’s Economic Impacts Research Team.Riccarda Joas, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2024
-
Simone’s attitude toward Judaism became a Rorschach test for scholars and critics to project their own feelings onto my aunt and her family.The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024
Noun
-
There have been rare cases of such decisions in previous administrations.Aleccia Washington, Twin Cities, 15 Nov. 2024
-
But not long ago, some Republicans have resisted Democratic administrations' attempts to prioritize certain immigrants over others for deportation.Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
According to the Latin Recording Academy, more than 30 artists took the stage to deliver show-stopping tributes honoring the memories of key figures who made great contributions to Latin music.Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
-
More than 700 artists were nominated across 58 categories this year, according to Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy.Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near authorities
Cite this Entry
“Authorities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorities. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share