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

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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 When executed well, a strong content strategy creates a consistent, authoritative presence that builds both trust and familiarity, inviting potential clients to take the next step. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Their annual report is widely viewed by child safety experts as an authoritative snapshot of what is believed to be the escalating problem of child exploitation online. Ben Goggin, NBC news, 8 May 2025 The change appeared in the 2025 edition of the Vatican's Annuario Pontificio, the authoritative yearbook of the Holy See. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 During her last five years as Deputy Bureau Chief, Chloe has brought her sharp editorial expertise and field experience to deliver authoritative coverage, competitive scoops and breaking news. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
  • Performed by the Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), this definitive anthem of space and sci-fi will be transmitted towards NASA's Voyager 1 probe by ESA's 35-meter Deep Space Antenna in Cebreros, Spain.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 May 2025
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • But Means has attracted scrutiny from health professionals over her background and the ire from some on the far-right including activist Laura Loomer, an influential voice for Trump.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Israel’s campaign in Gaza The influential pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera aired on a loop what appeared to be mobile phone footage of the alleged gunman, wearing a suit jacket and slacks, being pulled away after the shooting, his hands behind his back.
    Maya Sweedler, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Panahi’s film, his first since being released from prison in 2023, is a direct assault on Iran’s authoritarian regime.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
  • But this one rush job, HB 1205, was especially dear to the governor’s authoritarian heart.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Listen to the Entire Piece A classical symphony might take 30 minutes or more.
    Jed Brewer, Rolling Stone, 29 May 2025
  • References to what are probably oysters appear in classical Greek texts by authors like Aristotle and Homer.
    Garritt C. Van Dyk, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Randall is a rebellious new patient at a mental institution who does battle with Louise Fletcher’s domineering head nurse Mildred Ratched.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 20 May 2025
  • The trial had revealed Blue Cross’ domineering behavior.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Forecasts will become less accurate in time, with people getting less lead time when inclement weather may impact their daily lives.
    Bryan Karrick, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • The ultra-wide camera retains steadiness but produces video with more accurate colors.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Richard was known for being outspoken, if not arrogant, consistently rubbing his Tagi tribe the wrong way and offending some of them with his blatant display of nudity on the island.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 27 May 2025
  • Multiple people described him to me as unpopular and arrogant.
    Amanda Chicago Lewis, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Our comprehensive analysis of Salesforce, across key indicators like Growth, Profitability, Financial Stability, and Downturn Resilience, reveals that the company continues to demonstrate very strong operational performance and a robust financial condition.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Being able to place the device on someone’s head would allow for more comprehensive brain monitoring.
    Paul McClure May 29, New Atlas, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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