1
as in definitive
being the most accurate and apparently thorough this book is considered the most authoritative source on that subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in influential
having power over the minds or behavior of others after a couple of authoritative critics panned the movie, the other reviewers rushed to say how awful it was

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Example 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 authoritative Producing content that echoes what LLMs deem authoritative sounds simple but requires deep research. Nick Brown, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 The fear-susceptible risk-takers were targeted with ads that introduced negative scenarios before providing a reassuring and authoritative tone. Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 5 Feb. 2025 Content Creation and Thought Leadership In an attention economy where organic visibility grows increasingly scarce, content strategists who craft compelling, authoritative material have become revenue drivers rather than cost centers. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 While some authoritative voices speak with optimism, others do not share the same tone. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Javier Bastardo, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Technologies can provide a secure record of transactions and other methodologies offer definitive origin verification.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Combined with the high rates of ownership and interest in crypto by increasingly influential age cohorts, and the future of crypto payments continues to look bright.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • In Virginia, one especially influential editor, James J. Kilpatrick of the Richmond News Leader, worked behind the scenes against desegregation with Mr. Byrd and state officials.
    Essence, Essence, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Other writers and artists have also begun to mine this era for clues to China’s current authoritarian malaise.
    Ian Johnson, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Since taking office just a few weeks ago, President Trump has rapidly depleted the reservoir of America’s soft power with an authoritarian bent and astonishing speed.
    Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As the intimate forest ceremony unfolded, a three-piece quartet performed live classical music.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Yet another was a request from a fan of classical Chinese poetry to translate several poems and set them to original tunes.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Since then, he’s portrayed a colorful collection of characters, from a domineering theater owner in Shakespeare in Love to Pirates of the Caribbean’s villain turned hero, Captain Hector Barbossa.
    airmail.news, airmail.news, 8 Mar. 2025
  • All the while, his domineering mother Bunny (played by the late Frances Sternhagen) is determined to stay the number one woman in her son's life.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Lack Of Centralized Business Registries: Unlike other Western countries, Canada’s federal and provincial governments typically do not maintain accurate, structured and accessible business registries.
    Elodie Bouneau, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • There's a free in-app voice transcription feature too, which is just as accurate as the pricier, stand-alone software out there.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In a world where deal flow is crucial, being labeled as an arrogant VC results in missing out on prime opportunities.
    David Nour, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The arrogant anti-union stance did not start with the current CEO; even the legendary Studs Terkel was slapped down by WFMT management for his earlier support of an effort to unionize in 1990.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This comprehensive approach has led to a stronger core of internal talent at Aflac. Data and AI as Business Drivers Aflac has long been a pioneer in artificial intelligence, implementing solutions to improve claims quality and auto-adjudicate lower-risk claims.
    Peter High, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Without a comprehensive impact study on the risks of displacement, this project cannot be responsibly approved.
    Aimee Rosato, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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